PEABODY — With seven returning starters and a squad loaded with experienced pitching, the sky may be the limit for Peabody’s softball team.
Last year’s team finished the regular season 9-11 and was the No. 28 seed in the Div. 1 state tournament. The Tanners fought tooth and nail on the road against No. 5 Bishop Feehan in the Round of 32 before the Shamrocks prevailed with a walk-off 5-4 win. Feehan advanced to the Final Four.
“I love this team. They’re all so focused and have high IQs for the game,” said coach Steve Lomasney. “They’re listening and making adjustments. I think some of the younger girls were a little nervous at times last year, but now, I see that they’re just going to let it rip this year. Everyone on this team knows what it feels like to lose and win and they want to win. Right now, they’ll all just be more focused on playing the game.”
The team returns its entire infield, a group that includes All-Northeastern Conference first baseman and four-year starter Lizzie Bettencourt, a senior captain, as well as NEC All-Star third baseman Liv Guarino, a sophomore.
Despite being intentionally walked 11 times, Bettencourt, a two-year captain, continued to be an offensive powerhouse last year. The first baseman and Bates College softball and volleyball commit batted .508 with 33 hits, 31 RBI, 36 runs scored, and 11 home runs.
“She’s the best power hitter and hitter in the league, and everyone knows it,” Lomasney said.
A two-year captain, Bettencourt is excited about the team’s mix of youth and experience.
“We have a lot of people who are returning and have some freshmen who can fill in the open spots, so we’re looking pretty good as a team,” Bettencourt said. “Definitely, the experience the younger players got last year has resulted in the group being a lot better off with a lot more confidence in themselves, which I think will help us a lot, especially offensively. I think we’ll compete well this year, especially in the league.”
Guarino had a breakout season last year as a freshman. A true contact hitter (she struck out just three times), she also hits for power, batting .493 with 37 hits, 32 RBI, 25 runs scored, and seven home runs.
Other returners include senior captain Jaelyn Emerson, who started at second base last year but may see time in the outfield, according to Lomasney.
Junior captain Kaylee DiNicola returns at catcher. Now in her third varsity season, DiNicola said she has “very high” expectations.
“We’re looking good and have good team chemistry,” DiNicola said. “There is a lot of effort and a lot of love for the game. We definitely have a group that wants to be here — that shows up when they need to — which is very important.”
Other returning players include sophomore left fielder Gabby Gosselin, sophomore pitchers Ayanna Cirame and Micayla Creamer, and sophomore shortstop and leadoff hitter Taylor King.
Also back are senior Yanielys Espinosa and junior Oliva Pellacchia, who split time swinging between the varsity and junior varsity squads last year.
Newcomers in the mix for playing time include senior Sophia Sumares, sophomore Sydney Zizza, and freshmen MacKenzie Joslin, Emery Lomasney, Claire Welton and Ashley Demeule.
While Lomasney said it’s too soon to announce the starting squad, he feels “lucky to have several players who are super athletic and bring a lot of versatility.” He’s excited to get the season going.
“Our goal every year is to win the conference,” he said. “Marblehead, Beverly and Masco will be tough, but we have a lot of players that have the varsity level under their belts, so I think they’re going to be ready this year.”
Peabody’s first game is Wednesday, April 1 against conference foe Danvers at Twi Field. First pitch is set for 4 p.m.
