After a 2020 season wiped away due to the COVID-19 pandemic, area high school softball teams are at long last returning to the field. Virtually every team has seen a lot of turnover since the 2019 season, but there’s plenty of optimism to go around as many new faces take their spots on varsity rosters.
Defending VPA Division III state champion White River Valley has a new coach, John Rhoades, but proves an exception to the rule by returning a large portion of the 2019 title-winning roster. This includes a deep senior class led by returning pitchers Blake Southworth, Chelsea Trask and Fiona Vaillancourt. Don’t be surprised if the Wildcats are back near the top of the D-III standings when the postseason rolls around.
Thetford and Rivendell will be playing as a co-op in D-III and feature a deep roster full of athletes who may be short on softball experience but who have seen plenty of varsity action in other sports.
In New Hampshire, both Newport and Stevens fielded strong teams in 2019 but were hit by graduation losses in the meantime. Each has hope that the returning players and a mix of promising underclassmen will add up to another winning season.
The pervasive feeling for all these teams, regardless of past success, is a thankfulness that the 2021 season will be played. A slow return to normalcy from the pandemic is under way, and another springtime of games on the diamond is a big step for all. It’s time to play ball.
Coach: Mariruth Graham (fourth year).
Last time: 2-14, missed playoffs.
League: NHIAA Division II.
Returnees: Senior — Emilee Jones (P). Juniors — Izzy Kachikis (2B), Haily Stewart (C).
Newcomers: Senior — Enna Prak (OF/SS). Juniors — Rylie Marshall (1B), Grace Lewandoski (OF), Skouly Kachikis (3B). Sophomore — Natalia Somoff (OF). Freshmen — Sage Johnson (SS), Charleigh Olmstead (OF), Rhea Veerareddy (OF), Jessie Lobb (P), Emma Campfield (1B/C).
Analysis: The Marauders have plenty of fresh faces but have some great team chemistry in the early-going.
“They’re eager to learn and do well for each other. The team’s energy is loose and fun, and we play hard each day,” coach Mariruth Graham said.
Coach: Danielle Tenney (2).
Last time: 4-13, lost in first round.
Leagues: VPA Division II, Southern Vermont League.
Returnees: Seniors — Nevaeh Murphy (UT), Cassidy Biesler (C). Junior — Hailie Defabiis (SS).
Newcomers: Junior — Ashleigh Wheeler (IF). Sophomores — Kaylee Scott (IF/P), Marina Grassi (IF/P). Freshmen — Logan Evans (P), Harper Johnson (C), Rebecca Keelty (UT), Kennedi Rhodes (UT), Madison Willey (UT), Miranda Rogers (P).
Analysis: Coach Danielle Tenney was hired before the 2020 season but is just now taking up the reins for the Hurricanes after a lost campaign due to COVID. The Stevens High alumna brings plenty of experience, including a college playing career at NCAA Division I Sacred Heart University.
“We have a great group of 24 girls (including the junior varsity team) who are excited to learn this year and work toward building this program up over the next few years,” Tenney said. “During the past few years, the season results report high-scoring games. We would like to beat our 2019 season’s record along with keeping the scores during the games closer.”
Coach: Ray Petterson (5).
Last time: 0-16, missed state tournament.
League: NHIAA Division III.
Returnees: Seniors — Cassady Coates (SS), Autumn Crowell (1B), Kaitlyn Eylander (P). Juniors — Yasmine Lambert (P/IF), Lilly Petterson (P).
Newcomers: Seniors — Jaclyn King (2B), Jacqueline Fredette (3B). Juniors — Stella Rose (C), Hailey Annotti (OF), Makayla Finnell (C), Alexcia Matson (OF), Alyssa Smith-Duff (OF/3B), Tafe Libellula (OF). Sophomores — Ashlee Blashock (CF/3B), Emily Melkonian (1B/SS), Piper Morgan (CF/SS).
Analysis: The Raiders will be looking to score more runs this season than in the past in hopes of earning their first win in several years. Coach Ray Petterson praised the time pitcher Kaitlyn Eylander has spent practicing independently in advance of her senior season.
“We saw a lot more strong batters in preseason. We have three sophomores (Ashlee Blashock, Emily Melkonian and Piper Morgan) with a strong background in the sport, and they’ve shown a lot of potential,” coach Petterson said.
Coach: Chris Thurston (3).
Last time: 2-14, missed state tournament.
League: NHIAA Division III.
Returnees: Seniors — Mara Isham (P), Paige Jette (C), Audrey May (SS), Tatum Schmidt (2B). Junior — Brianna Withington (1B/C).
Newcomers: Juniors — McKenzie DeAmicis (P/3B), Morgan Towne (3B/OF), Maggie Morse (OF), Emily Webster (OF). Freshmen — Sofia Taylor (OF), Alyssa Webster (OF), Emma Russell (OF), Maddie Jansch (OF).
Analysis: Captains Paige Jette, Audrey May and McKenzie DeAmicis are drawing praise from both head coach Chris Thurston and assistant Christine Labore for fostering a family atmosphere amongst the team. The Royals have plenty of varsity newcomers who will need to play key roles. DeAmicis and Mara Isham will split time in the circle, and solid team speed and athleticism should be a strength.
“With how well the team has come together, we expect great things to happen this year. There is a different buzz among the girls and the Mascoma faithful,” Labore said.
Coach: Sam McNeel (7).
Last time: 10-7, lost in quarterfinals.
League: NHIAA Division III.
Returnees: Seniors — Jenna Maheu (CF), Kelsey Wheeler (3B), Morgan Oakley (RF), Shelby Adams (LF/1B).
Newcomers: Sophomores — Maddy Norris (1B/OF), Maddison Aldrich (2B). Freshmen — Tanya Sanchez (P/SS), Eden Ritondo (P/SS), Katie Sharon (P/1B), Emmah O’Connor (C/OF), Kirsten Wheeler (2B/OF).
Analysis: The Tigers had a successful 2019 season but return only four players with varsity experience for the new campaign. With no juniors on the team, the younger players will be thrust right into action.
“After taking a year off due to COVID, as well as the late start to the season, we’re struggling to find our groove so far,” coach Sam McNeel said. “We’ve been very thankful to have good pitching over the last 8-10 years, and this year should be no different with Tanya Sanchez pitching and catcher Emmah O’Connor behind the plate.”
Coach: Chuck Simmons (1).
Last time: 15-2, lost in semifinals to White River Valley.
Leagues: VPA Division III, NVAC Capitol Division.
Returnees: Seniors — Aspen Longmoore (SS/P), Emma DeGoosh (2B/P), Allie Root (P).
Newcomers: Juniors — Alexa Kosakowski (3B), Taylor Bean (UTL), Darcy O’Connell (1B/OF). Sophomores — Makenna Simmons (C/SS), Laila Ellsworth (C/OF). Freshmen — Faith Eastman (LF), Lily Lahaye (3B/OF), Lillian DeGoosh (OF), Desarae Fisk-Norton (OF), Ava Smith (OF), Hadlee Allen (CF). Eighth grade — Anastase Bourgeois (P/OF).
Analysis: The Olympians perhaps won’t have the pitching strength they’ve had in year’s past (2019 graduate Madie Fornwalt is now slinging darts at opposing batters for Merrimack College), so coach Chuck Simmons is stressing sound fundamentals and solid defense as a strategy for winning games. A good mix of athletes with plenty of varsity experience in multiple sports should have Oxbow ready to compete in D-III, as always.
“Very few of the players had the chance to play softball last year, so we will be using this year to rebuild the program,” Simmons said. “I’m excited and very optimistic. I’ve been impressed with the positive attitudes and effort these ladies have put in during the first week of training. The team’s goal is to make a good run in the playoffs.”
Coach: Melissa Nichols (20).
Last time: 8-10, lost in first round to eventual state champion John Stark.
League: NHIAA Division II.
Returnees: Seniors — Makayla Maccioli (C), Zoey Foote (2B), Gabby Savo (UT), Gabby Labounty (UT). Junior — Brianna Frisbee (P/IF).
Newcomers: Seniors — Aunnah Shepard (RF), Caidence Verrill (OF). Juniors — Mackenzie Murray-Brown (UT), Emily Peaslee (OF). Sophomores — Josie Aiken (P/IF), Summer Barrette (OF). Freshmen — Kylie Bundy (IF/P), Elise Smith (OF/C).
Analysis: A good turnout of versatile players has coach Melissa Nichols excited for the potential of the 2021 Cardinals. Three different pitchers, led by Brianna Frisbee, give Stevens the chance to keep opponents at bay. Senior backstop Makayla Maccioli has two years of varsity experience under her belt and helps control the game no matter who’s in the circle.
“The players are working hard to sharpen their skills after missing last season and are getting better every day,” coach Nichols said. “We lack varsity experience in the outfield, which has been a preseason focus. But the girls have been working really hard, and with a positive attitude. We’re all grateful to be playing this season.”
Coach: Jesse Soulia (3).
Last time: Thetford was 3-11; Rivendell was 4-8. Both lost in the first round of the playoffs.
Leagues: VPA Division III, NVAC Capitol Division.
Returnees: Seniors — Becca Wells, Crystal Parshley. Junior — Krystal McKinney.
Newcomers: Seniors — Namya Benjamin, Emma Berard, Adrienna Franco, Kelsey Smith, Emma Colby. Junior — Autumn Horniak. Sophomore — Ada Acker. Freshmen — Crown Morand, Kelsey Bogie, Nattaly Adams. Eighth grade — McKayla Stanley, Paige Tremblay, Leanna Messier, Rebecca Osgood, Ashlyn Osgood, Grace Elmer, Alice Gould, Eiea Morgan, Layliana Benjamin.
Analysis: A co-op of Thetford and Rivendell gives this team plenty of depth and a good mix of returning players with extensive varsity experience in multiple sports. The strong senior class is already taking a leadership role helping this group come together.
“I’m looking forward to being competitive this season and trying different player combinations to find a winning formula,” coach Jesse Soulia said. “We’ve got an incredible start on forming an unbreakable team bond.”
Coach: John Rhoades (1).
Last time: 16-2, won state championship.
Leagues: VPA Division III, Southern Vermont League.
Returnees: Seniors — Blake Southworth (SS/P), Chelsea Trask (1B/P), Fiona Vaillancourt (P/SS/1B), Toni Turner (OF), Hannah White (C/3B). Juniors — Julia Morse (C/3B), Emily Bean (2B).
Newcomers: Sophomores — Carlie Robinson (P/OF), Rachel Puopolo (OF). Freshmen — Tanner Drury (OF/P), Sadie Kinsley (OF), Aliyah Ensminger (2B), Abigail Rainville (OF).
Analysis: The still-defending state champion Wildcats return three pitchers with experience from that title team of two seasons ago. This group of seniors has been itching to get back on the field, and they look primed to pick up where they left off in 2019.
“My expectation is for them to give their best effort daily and keep a positive mindset,” new coach John Rhoades said. “We’ll continue to improve and enjoy the season.”
Coach: Heather Stearns (4).
Last time: 7-10, lost in quarterfinals to eventual champion White River Valley.
Leagues: VPA Division III, Southern Vermont League.
Returnees: Seniors — Adi Prior (C), Alyssa Slocum (2B), Hannah Wood (SS), Kate Murphy (1B), Paige Kleefisch (3B). Junior — Peyton Richardson (P).
Newcomers: Seniors — Evelyn Page (OF), Glenna Ricard (OF), Jenna Hood (P), Madison Leduc (OF), Morgan McKeen (OF), Sadie Balch (OF/2B). Juniors — Karen Kapuscinski (1B/OF), Meagan Holling (OF/SS), Mya Harriman (C).
Analysis: Hannah Wood and Adi Prior are emerging as team leaders for this senior-laden team. A number of seniors return to softball after two-plus years away from the sport and will bring immediate athleticism to the field.
“We’re thankful to have a season this year and look forward to growing together as a team as the season progresses,” coach Heather Stearns said. “With an entire year off, we were expecting to need to knock the rust off, but these girls came ready to work on day one and are excited to be back at it. We are all so thrilled to know that we will be able to have fans there to cheer us on each game.”
Coaches: Alyssa Smith (7) and Jane Hoisington (9).
Last time: 6-11, lost in first round.
Leagues: VPA Division II, Southern Vermont League.
Returnees: Seniors — Riley Earle (IF), Tobin Calder (UT).
Newcomers: Seniors — Hayley Berrio (OF), Willow Carr (OF), Natasha Springer (OF). Juniors — Emma Tarleton (P/OF), Megan Tarleton (UT). Sophomores — Myah Earle (IF), Dillon Moss (IF/P), River Miles (UT). Freshmen — Laura Hendee (UT), Phoebe Anderson (OF), Josie Cross (OF), Bella Crowe (UT), Brooke Longley (P/OF), Mia Pierini (OF).
Analysis: With only two players returning from the 2019 squad, the Wasps will be doing some rebuilding this spring. Ace pitcher Lizzy Peck graduated, so a new cast of hurlers will be looking to fill that void. A focus on defense, timely hitting and good baserunning will be key to keep Woodstock competitive.
“We do have a strong group of young girls willing to learn the game,” co-coach Alyssa Smith said. “We’re going to really work on baserunning skills to make the most of every opportunity to put runs on the board.”
Update
Freshman center fielder Hadlee Allen was inadvertently omitted from the Oxbow High softball team’s season preview in an earlier version of this story.