by Perrin Stein
JV softball, 12-3, worked on perfecting execution on defense, base running and pitch selection at the plate throughout the season, according to coach Kate Hurd.
By working in practice and learning from their mistakes, the Tigers “learned that by putting pressure on our opponent to have to make plays while we are running the bases, it puts us in a better position to score runs,” Hurd said.
The Tigers’ strengths lied “in our intensity and our ability to make plays in the field and at the plate in pressure situations,” she said.
The pitching of sophomore Ellie Wenneker and freshman MacKenzie Dreese also enabled the Tigers to successfully prevent opponents from scoring more, according to Hurd.
The most memorable game of the season was the May 9 game at Natick, Hurd said.
The Tigers were down by two runs in their last at bat. Sophomore Steph Kolozie put down a squeeze bunt, allowing sophomore Emma Berger and Dreese to score and win the game 5-4.
According to sophomore Bridget McLaughlin, a captain with Berger, the Tigers “came together by bonding and improving every day on personal skills.”
Up until the end of the season, the Tigers were able to maintain focus in practice, allowing them to do well in games, she said.
Next year, McLaughlin said she hopes that the team will continue to utilize practice well, thus improving on fundamental skills everyday.
9-2 freshmen succeed
by Jesse Metzger
Despite losing multiple players due to injuries and illness during the season, freshman softball prevailed and had a winning season.
Ending the season with a record of 9-2, the Tigers defeated many strong teams, such as Braintree, which they beat by only a single run at the beginning of the season.
“We know each other’s strengths and weaknesses very well,” said Isabel Rivero, a captain with Juliet Roll. “We improved our skills together, and as a whole, the team has accomplished a lot.”
The two captains had a major impact on the season’s positive outcome, according to Melissa Joseph, an outfielder.
“The captains always looked out for the team,” Joseph said. “They’re real leaders, and they did a great job.”
According to coach Laurie Arcovio, “They have been fantastic captains.”
Rivero is the team’s catcher and Roll is a pitcher. “They held two positions that require strong leadership, and they have taken this leadership role and run with it,” Arcovio said.
“They organized fundraising, team dinners and team spirit days.”
Arcovio said that she believes that most importantly, she is proud of Rivero and Roll because they have led the team by example.
In addition, two players who were key in the team’s victories were Roll and Daniela Fei, the team’s pitchers, who “were phenomenal and worked hard throughout the season,” according to Leah Herman, an outfielder.
Arcovio noted that the team had players with little experience in the beginning of the year.
“They have since transformed from beginners nervous to make plays to confident members of the team who make big plays.”