The Franklin County Technical School softball team’s consistency over the past decade has, quite simply, been astounding. The Eagles have finished either first or second in the Tri-County League in each of the past nine years, including last year’s tie for first with Putnam Vocational Technical Academy at 15-1.
Tech finished 17-6 overall a year ago, falling in the opening round of the Western Massachusetts Division III Tournament to Pope Francis High School, while splitting a pair of State Vocational Tournament games. Despite losing five seniors to graduation, the Eagles should have plenty in the tank to make another charge for the top of the league standings.
New head coach Amber Coburn takes over the program with a balanced roster featuring some key seniors as well as plenty of talented underclassmen capable of making contributions throughout the lineup.
“As a team, they’ve decided that they’d like to win the league,” said Coburn of a team slated to host Greenfield High School in the season opener Wednesday. “If that means putting in the extra effort to fill some positions, well I think we’re more than prepared to do that. We have a young team, but I think our playing level will rival last year’s.”
Senior Rachel Shearer returns for her fourth year as the team’s starting pitcher. Shearer tossed 98⅔ innings a season ago, striking out 98 batters and tossing a no-hitter against Westfield Technical Academy. Joining Shearer as a veteran returnee is junior catcher Ashlee Townsley. The team’s backstop hit a scorching .588 a year ago, clubbing three home runs and knocking in 31 runs.
“The two of them have been together the last two years, so they work well together and know each other,” Coburn offered. “This year they’ll just be building on last year’s success.”
Seniors Cassie Harris (infield) and Shayla Demers (3B) both return after solid junior seasons, as does junior Erin O’Neil (OF). Seniors Claire Johnson and Erica Dean are both new to the varsity squad but should aid the cause this spring, while junior newcomers Leah Wozniak and Valerie Speegle are also on the roster.
“A lot of these girls know what the expectations are and spots that were left empty from last year’s graduation will be easily filled with this group,” Coburn said. “It’s an athletic and eager bunch, so I don’t anticipate any problems there.”
The sophomore class is loaded, with several returning varsity contributors. Hailey Larned was a key player a year ago as a freshman, and that role won’t change this year. Classmates Brooke Adams, Summer Gadreau, Haley Kurkulonis, Shannon Kurkulonis, Chantel Barkley and Eliza Kelton will all see time, as will freshmen Jocelyn Crowningshield, Hailey Jackson, Kelsey Winship, Stephanie Pearson and Courtney LaCrosse. Crowningshield and Jackson are a pair of infielders who should make their mark immediately as rookies.
“They’ll both play a large role,” said Coburn. “They both are strong in the infield. They throw well, have a good read on the ball.”
While the expectations will certainly be there this spring, Tech should plenty capable of taking the season as it comes.
“They’re an eager group of girls who have a sense of community amongst the team, so they’re all on the same page right now,” lauded Coburn. “They’re ready to get going.”