For the second straight year, the Franklin County League produced a state champion when perennial powerhouse Turners Falls High School took home an Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) Division III crown last June.
The Powertown is the model of FCL excellence. That much is certain. Turners went a perfect 14-0 in the league a year ago, running away with another title a full three games ahead of runner-up Frontier Regional School at 11-3.
This year’s FCL landscape should be very interesting. Along with the usual suspects at Turners and Frontier, upstart Greenfield High School has the look of a team ready to challenge. Pioneer Valley Regional School gave Turners everything it could handle in last year’s quarterfinal round, and the Panthers are loaded with senior experience.
“It really is one of the hardest divisions out there, regardless of sport,” offered Mahar Regional School head coach Jerry Duguay, whose team is young but talented.
Here’s a team-by-team breakdown of the eight teams in the league (last year’s records in parentheses):
A few breaks here and there and Athol High School very much could’ve figured into the postseason discussion a year ago. But the Red Raiders found themselves on the wrong end of several close games, a trend that head coach Sharon Chauvette hopes will change this spring with a veteran team at her disposal.
“I think we were a better team than our record,” admitted Chauvette, whose squad went 7-13 overall but an even 7-7 in the FCL to finish fourth. “We were in a lot of games but we really just had some problems late in games. Some of the games we lost, we beat ourselves. As soon as we got down, they just lost it. We’ve talked about playing seven strong innings this year, picking each other up when we need it. The overall team morale needs to be better this year, and the girls know that.”
The good news for Athol is that a plethora of players return, led by senior pitcher Jess Soucie. A four-year starter, Soucie will get the ball in the circle for her final season.
“She wants to win and is going to give 110 percent to make sure we have every chance to do that,” lauded Chauvette of Soucie. “She’s our team leader.”
Unlike last year, Soucie won’t be required to handle the pitching responsibilities entirely on her own. That’s because freshman Hailey Bigwood is up with the varsity and able to contribute some innings this spring when not playing shortstop. Bigwood and with freshman catcher Angelica Baptista worked as a solid eighth-grade battery last year, bypassing middle-school ball. Those two will likely stay together when Bigwood is pitching, while senior Brej Geise is back behind the plate after catching for Soucie in 2016.
“Going into this season, I think Jess is going to be a lot more relaxed knowing that we have a backup we really didn’t have a year ago,” Chauvette offered. “Last year, she knew I really couldn’t afford to pull her out if things went bad, and that can be a tough experience. If Jess needs help this year, Hailey is there.”
In addition to Soucie and Geise, Athol’s senior class is loaded. Hope Parker returns after a year away and will see time at third base, catcher and outfield, while Abby Leadbetter is back as the starting second baseman. Julia Carey will man center field for the Raiders, while classmates Destiny Ricko (3B/OF) and Hannah Arsenault (1B/OF) also return. Junior Amber Mahoney rounds out the returning contingent, and she’ll likely get the nod in left field.
Junior Destiny Wrigley (OF) and sophomore Shelby Mailloux (utility) are also on the roster, and both have flexibility that will allow them to play a variety of spots.
“This group is excited and ready to get going,” lauded Chauvette. “They’ve written down some goals that I think they’re going to be working hard to achieve. They want to make the tournament and also bat .300 for a team this season. We were in the gym for the first week of practice but I had girls working extra time, staying after practice, so I know they’re ready to get out there.”
Athol’s season is scheduled to open on Wednesday at home against Southwick High School.
The closest team challenging Turners a year ago, the defending FCL runners-up return a boatload of talent. Frontier lost just two players to graduation, and it enters the season looking to close the gap in hopes of capturing a title.
“I like the work ethic so far. They’re hard workers,” lauded Frontier head coach Carrie Fydenkevez. “They seem like a really close-knit bunch of girls, which I think will benefit us as the season moves along.”
The Hawks graduated catcher Mindy Esposito and center fielder Hannah Adams from a 12-7 team. Frontier went 11-3 in the FCL, falling in the first round of the postseason to Southwick High School in a wild 11-10 game.
“I’m looking for my returning players, nine of them, to step up,” Fydenkevez explained. “They’ve been there. We went to tournament last year, so the goal would be to go farther this year. That (Southwick loss) was not a game you want to end the season on. We’ll take it as a starting point and move forward.”
Seniors Sarah Meunier (SS) and Hanna LaClaire (2B) return as the lone members of their class on the roster. The duo both hit over .300 a year ago as juniors.
Sophomore Ava Harper also returns and will lock down third base, with junior Lexa Boyden occupying the first-base role to give Frontier a veteran starting infield.
“They’re all back for us, and it gives us a solid mix with players capable of moving around if necessary,” Fydenkevez offered.
Junior Kelsey Jarvis also returns after a strong offensive season that saw her bat nearly .400 with eight multi-hit games. Jarvis will take over for Esposito behind the plate, though she did catch a few innings a year ago.
“Overall she has plenty of experience behind the plate and in leading the team,” Fydenkevez said of Jarvis. “I don’t have any hesitations putting her back there.”
Frontier boasts a deep pitching staff. Juniors Emma Wesoloski and Lauren McDonald saw almost equal time pitching a year ago, with Wesoloski logging 64 innings, McDonald 53. Sophomore Lauren Davenport should also figure into the rotation, giving Frontier three capable arms.
“Emma and Lauren (McDonald) pitched every other game last year, so there’s a lot of experience back there,” began Fydenkevez. “They’ve been working in the offseason and now come back with a year’s worth of experience. Add in Lauren Davenport and even though my overall numbers are small, I have three pitchers, which is kind of nice. We do want to figure out how to work them all together better this year. I’m not sure exactly how that’ll look but that’s the goal.”
The outfield will aim to overcome the loss of Adams, the team’s star center fielder from a year ago. Freshman Natalie Denkiewicz is likely to step into that role, with junior McKenzie Patterson back in left field for the third season. Junior newcomers Katie Thompson and Kimmy Asseng round out the varsity roster.
With a solid core returning and a sophomore pitcher growing more and more confident by the day, Greenfield High School has all the earmarks of a team capable of making postseason noise.
Fifth-year head coach Rian Lovett guided the Green Wave (13-5, 10-4 FCL) to their first tournament win since 2009 last spring, when Greenfield knocked off Ware High School before falling to Mount Everett Regional School in the D-III quarterfinals.
The squad lost just three starters to graduation, meaning a potential change at the top of the FCL may be in play.
“I have a lot of hopes for this year,” said Lovett, whose squad was third in the FCL race a year ago. “I think we’re a year older and a year stronger. I think we have a shot at making some huge gains this year and already I’ve seen confidence in this team. I can see a difference from last year.”
Sophomore pitcher Olivia Joy has a lot to do with that confidence. After taking control of the starting job in mid-April a year ago, Joy made her mark on the FCL to the tune of 86 strikeouts in 80 innings. That included a no-hitter against Frontier, and she’s thrown all winter in preparation for the full-time gig.
“That’s huge,” said Lovett of Joy’s experience from a year ago. “She’s so confident and has been working so hard this winter. She’s so ready to get going and is so excited. I really looking forward to her shining.”
One of the few changes in the Greenfield lineup comes behind the plate, where Leah Wallner graduated as the team’s starting catcher. Insert junior Lizzy Howland, who has plenty of experience.
“She’s caught a lot in the past so this isn’t new to her,” said Lovett of Howland. “Those two girls have been working together all winter, so I feel good about the transition.”
Despite being experienced, Greenfield is still a young team. The Wave has just two returning seniors in Molley Duclos and Grace Kennedy, both of whom will earn starting corner-outfield spots. Classmate Isabella Justiniano rounds out the senior class, and the newcomer should also see some innings in the outfield after moving up from the JV squad. Junior Kirsten Ward returns as an outfield option after seeing some innings in the pitching circle a year ago.
The sophomore class is loaded with returning starters, though the graduation of first baseman Amber Avery and shortstop Kelsey Roberts will necessitate some shifting around. Sophomore Samantha Smith will shift from second base to shortstop while Raegan Hickey will likely come in from center field to play second. Audrey Bresciano is penciled into her familiar third-base spot, while classmate Morghan Blanchard is expected to open the season at first base. Nicole Miner rounds out the sophomore contingent, and Lovett expects she’ll serve as a utility player with the ability to play every position.
Eighth-grader Katie Haselton rounds out the varsity squad. Despite her youth, don’t expect Haselton to ease into the lineup. Now playing on her third varsity team of the season, Haselton could open the year as the team’s starting center fielder.
“She’s a real athlete, knows the game and understands situational softball, which you don’t always have, especially with younger players,” Lovett gushed. “She’s fast and smart. We need someone in center field who can track the ball down.”
Greenfield is set to open its season on the road in an independent game at Franklin County Technical School Wednesday (3:30).
The only non-local team in the FCL, Hopkins Academy occupied the bottom spot in last year’s standings at 1-13 (1-17 overall). The Golden Hawks, guided by second-year head coach Paula Cristoforo, will look to improve their fortunes after a postseason drought back to 2012.
Hopkins, which beat Mahar for its only 2016 win, does have a decent returning core to draw from this spring. Senior catcher Kelsea Cristoforo was the team’s No. 3 hitter a year ago, batting a team-high .442 to pace the offense. Fellow senior infielder Taylor Robbins also returns, clubbing .395 out of the two-hole last year.
Hopkins also returns its starting pitcher from a year ago. Eighth-grader Allison Markowski tossed 61 innings in the circle as a seventh-grader, striking out 36. She returns to the circle, with returning players back in junior Margaret Michalak (OF), eighth-grader Macy Ring (IF/OF), freshman Maegan Quinlan (P) and senior Greta Kurtz.
Newcomers for the Hawks include sophomores Olivia Brighenti (IF), Kelsey Bushey (OF), Citalia Cabrera (OF), Amy Robbins (IF) and Abigail Torres (OF) along with freshman Gabby Palmisano (IF/OF).
With youth all over the lineup, the building of the Mahar Regional School program continues this spring under second-year head coach Duguay. The Senators made waves a year ago, knocking off rival Athol High School and winning a pair of FCL games, and Duguay hopes the upward trend continues.
“We haven’t won (the FCL) since 1973,” explained Duguay. “That’s a driving force for me as a coach and that’s a driving force for the younger generation as well. We can do something special here if we stay together. I really believe that. I think we opened a few eyes last year. We still have a little bit to go but we’re going to be there eventually.”
The Senators have just two seniors on a roster full of underclassmen. Shortstop Hannah Britt and second baseman Joslyn O’Brien will make up the middle infield for the squad, and the two members of the Class of 2017 will provide leadership in addition to veteran experience. Junior Kayla LaFrennie is the only member of her class, and she could see innings somewhere in the infield.
Mahar’s sophomore class is loaded, and several of the athletes saw ample varsity time as freshmen a year ago. Lani DeDiego returns behind the plate as starting catcher, providing continuity at a key position.
Fellow sophomore Sarah Graeff will draw the start at third base and should again be a steady hand at the hot corner, while classmates Jordan Berry (OF), Marie Nottleson (OF) and Shelby Ponusky (IF/OF) are all in the mix for jobs. Freshman Jordan Fournier, a newcomer, will battle for outfield time.
Freshman Megan Rich will handle the pitching duties for the Senators, and she’s no stranger to the varsity game after seeing some time a year ago as an eighth-grader.
“Our philosophy this year is to build a solid defense around her,” said Duguay of Rich. “People are going to make contact but that’s OK. I want us to play the ball. She’s accurate and can hit her spots, so that’s our goal, to make plays behind her and keep her confidence high.”
Fellow freshman Skylar Dodge (1B) is another key team member, and Duguay expects she’ll be one of Mahar’s top hitters this spring after leading the side in slugging percentage as an eighth-grader. Dodge clubbed a home run over the fence in her first varsity at-bat a year ago.
“I don’t want to put a lot of pressure on her as a freshman but the sky’s the limit with her potential,” offered the coach. “I think she can develop into one of the better ballplayers in the area over the course of her career here.”
Mahar is set to open its independent slate on the road at Southwick on Monday.
There’s optimism in Buckland this spring, as Mohawk Trail Regional High School returns the bulk of its starting lineup off a team that reached the postseason in 2016.
New coach Katelyn Gaffigan, who will co-coach the squad with Maura Crossman, takes over a Warriors club that went 10-11 overall a year ago, falling to Hoosac Valley High School in the first round of the WMass Division III Tournament. Gaffigan is up from the middle school team, which she coached for the past two seasons.
“A lot of the girls are used to me and my coaching style by now,” offered Gaffigan, who also coaches the Mohawk volleyball team. “Everyone seems ready to go this year. I have a lot of girls who are playing year-round.”
Despite losing a trio of starters to graduation in Samantha Cairns, Hope Lively and Briana Benz, the Warriors have a solid foundation returning this spring. Senior pitcher Emily Page returns, and she’ll throw plenty of innings along with junior Lydia Donahue.
“Right now they’re pretty even, so they’ll probably be flip-flopping depending on who we’re playing,” Gaffigan explained. “Both are looking really good.”
Who will catch the pair is also up for grabs. Sophomore Morgan Roccio is up from the JV team and will battle for time, while junior Mikayla Bompastore is also in the mix.
There are plenty of returning players hoping to lift Mohawk back to the postseason this spring. Seniors Hayley Lowell, Rebecca Scranton and Olivia Dubrule are all back, as are juniors Ashley Walker and Alicia Johnston and sophomores Caitlin Johnston and Ashley Reynolds. The newcomers include seniors Sarah Powell, Mackenzie Mayhew and Sophie Rafael, junior Emma Reid and sophomore Shelby Sinistore.
“There’s so much talent here, we’re really excited about what they’re capable of this season,” Gaffigan said. “One of our goals for the whole team is to beat Greenfield, beat Turners. … We want to try and come in the top of our league, which I think is doable. Looking at the banner on the gym wall, the last time Mohawk won the league was 1977. I told the girls to look up there and envision them putting 2017 up there. That’s the mindset we want them to have.”
Mohawk’s infield looks strong, with sophomores in Caitlin Johnston (.403 batting average last year) and Reynolds (.367 average) penciled in at shortstop and third base. Walker is in the mix for either a spot at first or second base.
“I’m really excited about our infield,” Gaffigan said. “With that combination. It’s going to be a really strong unit.”
The Warriors open their 2017 campaign when Drury High School comes to Buckland on April 11.
There’s returning talent all over the place in Northfield, where head coach Nikki Pullen’s Pioneer Valley Regional School softball team is locked and loaded for a big spring.
The Panthers return nearly their entire starting lineup from a team that went 11-11 overall. Pioneer gave Turners everything it could handle in the D-III quarterfinal round, when the Panthers were edged 2-1.
“Last year, we had basically the same team, so we can’t lower our expectations,” explained Pullen. “Making the quarterfinals a year ago, I hope to go beyond that. I hold myself personally accountable if we don’t make tournament because this team, looking at the roster, is stacked.”
Pioneer is senior-laden, with seven members of the Class of 2017 returning. Lizzie Fuller, a tri-captain, returns as one of the team’s starting pitchers, while Alexus Vergobbe, another captain, will man an outfield position. Classmates Brianna Jobst (1B/3B), Sammie Belhumeur (2B/3B), Amelia Marchand (3B) and Sophie Peduzzi-Nelson (CF/RF) all return, as does senior Jess Scoville (2B/CF), who missed much of last season after undergoing surgery.
Junior Shelby Avery is back behind the plate as the team’s starting catcher, while classmate Kaylee Gibson rounds out the Pioneer tri-captains and will team with Fuller in the pitching circle. The duo split innings almost right down the middle a year ago, and that’s likely the plan again. When not in the circle, however, Fuller will play in the outfield and Gibson will likely serve as the team’s first baseman.
“It’s a luxury to have two incredible athletes who, if they aren’t pitching, will play that other position just as well,” said Pullen of Fuller and Gibson. “We’re going into the season with a similar mindset to last year. We don’t want to overwork one of them too much, so we’ll mix and match as we go.”
Sophomore Olivia Rowe (infield) returns as well for Pioneer, while classmate Avery Johnson is new to the squad but will see time at third and second base. The flexibility of the team will make for a fluid situation, as Pullen looks to move players around on a relatively consistent basis.
“I’m really a fan of moving girls all over the place, making sure they’re adaptable,” offered Pullen. “Through the first week or so, I had yet to have someone fixed at a position. They’re doing anything and everything so we want the girls to be well-rounded. Especially looking at next year, the core of this team is leaving and I don’t want to start from scratch. If you’re athletic, and these girls are, you won’t be fixed to one position.”
Pioneer is scheduled to open the season on the road at Renaissance School Monday, with the home opener slated for Wednesday against Hoosac Valley High School.
“We had the taste of being right there (against Turners) last year. Having these girls back again, everyone wants to keep it going,” Pullen explained.
The Turners magic continued last spring, as the Powertown captured its second consecutive MIAA Division III state championship, 2-0 over Austin Preparatory School. It was the program’s third straight WMass Division III crown as well, with Turners blanking Hoosac Valley High School, 7-0, in the finals to advance to the state tourney.
There will be some new faces in key positions this spring for veteran coach Gary Mullins, who enters his 38th season in charge of the program. That begins in the pitching circle, where all-everything hurler Mackenzie Phillips graduated after tossing Turners to state titles in her junior and senior seasons. Phillips now plays for Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), and she’s already making her mark as a freshman with the program to the tune of a 2.35 ERA with two wins and two saves in the early going.
“We lost a terrific kid and terrific competitor, no question about that,” offered Mullins.
There are other key holes for Turners to plug after graduation. The middle infield of Jenna Putala (2B) and Jordan Meattey (SS) is gone, as are reliable contributors Hailey Whipple and Jess Loynd.
“We lost some quality kids,” Mullins said. “We’ve got some talent. It’s still early in deciding where they’ll all figure into the equation.”
The good news is that senior catcher Gabby Arzuaga returns, giving Turners a veteran presence in one of the most important positions on any diamond. Joining the backstop in the senior class is Melissa Hersey, Jordyn Fiske and Maddy Johnson, and the trio could all figure into the outfield discussion this spring.
Junior Peyton Emery has the inside track for taking over the primary pitching duties. She tossed 21 innings as a sophomore, capturing a pair of wins. Mullins said she should open the year as his No. 1, with eighth-grader Jade Tyler not far behind as No. 2.
“Peyton did throw a bit last year for us,” began Mullins. “She worked hard and I think she’ll keep us competitive. It’s reassuring for us that we have another solid option. … Jade isn’t too far behind. I’m always looking for that second kid to play a position, ready to go in case something happens.”
Freshman Aly Murphy returns and will occupy an infield spot this season. Murphy was the team’s first baseman a year ago but could be used in another role, depending on how the rest of the lineup falls.
Sophomore Cassidhe Wozniak is penciled in as a starting middle infielder, while junior Abby Loynd played third base last year and should again fill a starting role. Junior Sienna Dillensneider (OF) and freshman Olivia Whittier (IF) also return, and Mullins said Whittier could be an option to throw a few innings as well. Juniors Lexi Lacey (1B/OF) and Katie Garcia (3B) are also in the mix for varsity time.
Turners has several newcomers looking to make contributions immediately, as freshmen Hailey Bogusz (1B/OF) and Eliza Johnson (2B), along with eighth-graders Taylor Murphy, Katie Reynolds and Mercedes Morales, could all get a chance to show their stuff.
“Honestly, just about everyone on the entire roster is in contention,” Mullins offered. “Kids are pushing each other to get better. The kids are aspiring to be a part of this team, and that’s a good thing.
“I love their attitude and work habits so far,” he continued. “It’s very exciting. We’re approaching things differently than we have in the past, and they’ve accepted without reservations. They’re doing things the right way so far.”
Turners begins its title defense with an independent road game at Southwick High School on April 13. In addition to the FCL slate, the Powertown has an independent schedule that will most certainly challenge them. Turners has tilts with Division I power Newton North High School (May 26), the defending runner-up in North Division I, along with defending WMass Division II champion Hampshire Regional High School (April 22, May 22), central Mass. Division I power Wachusett Regional High School (April 30) and Ludlow High School (May 15).