The Franklin Tech softball team has multiple options to take to the circle once the season starts and the competition will make the team better for it.
“We have sort of a luxury,” Franklin Tech coach Joe Gamache said. “We have six girls that are pitching right now.”
At the head of the competition is Brayleigh Burgh. The junior has the most experience and some good movement on her pitches.
“At the varsity level, Brayleigh (Burgh) is returning,” Gamache said. “She has varsity innings and she’s put in a lot of work.”
Senior Lyla Mickiewicz worked diligently in the offseason and added some pitches to her repertoire. Freshman lefty Charley Knight is another option for the Eagles.
“Those three will get the varsity innings,” Gamache said. “They are all going to pitch some at the varsity level. They all bring something a little bit different to the table. It’s fun. It’s a good place to be.
Lindsey Taylor is the leadoff hitter and plays centerfield for the Eagles. Taylor committed to play softball at Elms College in the fall. Burgh and junior Sandra Johnson will have spots near the top of the lineup. Sofia Melnik adds some power to the lineup.
Franklin Tech split a league championship and made it to the Western Mass. Class C championship game against Greenfield. The Eagles enter the new Franklin East and will play a tougher schedule.
“This is a new year,” Gamache said. “We are in a new league. I would say our schedule is a little bit tougher than it has been. I would expect us to be very competitive. I would hope that the girls have a league title in mind. I would hope they have a Western Mass. title in mind. I hope they have a run at a state title in mind. We are going to set our goals high for this group.”
The Eagles open their season at Minnechaug on March 31 at 4 p.m.
Athol
COACH: Melissa Goss
LEAGUE/DIVISION: Tri-County
LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 2-16, no playoffs
ROSTER: Seniors — Gracie Lichtenberger, Kaya Stinehart; Sophomores — Ava Adams, Morgan Brailey, Ella Reed; Freshman — Lillian Cleveland, Lyan Colon, Lillian Dupont, Makenna Geyer, Lacie Hermes, Sophie Roberts, Eleighana Smith.
OUTLOOK: Goss takes over the Athol program with seven previous years of experience coaching at Fitchburg St. and Narragansett. She also coached some U-18 travel softball along the way. Goss played softball at Plymouth State, graduating in 2016. The young Bears are focused on chemistry and culture this season. Ava Adams has a lot of natural softball talent and knows the game. Adams plays catcher but can play anywhere on the field for the Bears. Senior Gracie Lichtenberger, a utility player, is a leader for Athol. Lacie Hermes and Ella Reed will see time in the circle.
Mohawk
COACH: Maura Crossman
LEAGUE/DIVISION: Valley Wheel
LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 8-13, lost in the Division 5 Round of 32
ROSTER: Seniors — Addie Loomis, Megan Gabree; Juniors —Aden Godfroy, Sara Tatro, Regi Filiault; Sophomores — Grace Stevens, Riley Dyer, Aurora Moynihan, Maddie Finn. Freshman — Rileigh Clark, Emmalee Inman. Eighth grade — Sadie Wilcox, Juniper Tatino, Kaylin Sevoian.
OUTLOOK: Grace Stevens takes to the circle as the top starter for the Warriors. “She has improved so much from last year,” Mohawk coach Maura Crossman said. “She has so much movement in her ball. She’s got some good junk.” Stevens and catcher Addie Loomis have shown a nice chemistry so far in the preseason. The lineup features several threats to make solid contact. Loomis in on that list along with Riley Dyer and Sadie Wilcox. When Stevens needs relief or has a rest day, Wilcox will step into the circle for the Warriors.
Pioneer
COACH: Mark Fortier
LEAGUE/DIVISION: Valley Wheel
LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 10-12, lost in Division 5 Round of 32
ROSTER: Senior — Jacobia Tyminski. Juniors — Laylah Goulston, Kiara Gruszkowski, Kaylee Fernette, Giulia Stark; Sophomores — Kyra Goodwin, Greta Lewis, Molly Goulin; Freshman: Maggie Tsipenyuk, Jaelyn Boliski, Lucianne Burnap, Kaelynn Chabot; Eighth grade Abigail Fortier, Evangeline Lewis, Hannah Shepard, Amy Van Doren, Ryleigh Goodwin.
OUTLOOK: The Panthers have a very young team but have a tremendous amount of depth. “Program is on the rise,” Pioneer coach Mark Fortier said. “Tremendous interest from middle school though varsity.” Cobi Tyminski and Laylah Goulston are the team captains. Tyminski will be in the circle and play shortstop. Goulston is a combination of shortstop and outfield.
Franklin Tech
COACH: Joe Gamache
LEAGUE/DIVISION: Franklin East
LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 18-5, lost in the Division 5 Round of 16
ROSTER: Seniors — Samantha Duncan, Alison George, Breanna Kempf, Skylei Lapan, Lyla Mickiewicz, Lindsey Taylor; Juniors — Brayleigh Burgh, Sandra Johnson, Emma Petersen, Amelia Rider, Ava Worden. Sophomores — Sofia Melnik, Kendra Steiner; Freshman — Taylor Chase, Charley Knight, Madison Ross, Bella Brown-Stratton, McKenzie Stafford.
The Recorder also highlighted the Greenfield, Frontier and Turners Falls softball teams with profiles on each squad. Below are the links to each story.
Greenfield preview: https://recorder.com/2026/03/18/spring-preview-new-coach-erich-leaper-leads-greenfield-softball-team-into-season/
Frontier preview: https://recorder.com/2026/03/20/spring-preview-frontier-softball-brings-backs-steele-wonsey/
Turners Falls preview: https://recorder.com/2026/03/19/spring-preview-turners-falls-softball-aims-for-continued-excellence-with-experience-and-new-talent/