When Joe Tuzzolo stepped onto the diamond in 2024 as a first-year varsity coach for Belmont, the Marauders hadn’t been to the state playoffs since 2008.
Not only did the rookie coach lead his team to a playoff berth last year, but it also earned a playoff win before being ousted by No. 1 seed Wachusett in the second round. This year, Tuzzolo aims to build on last season’s success despite fielding a rather young team.
“We really want to build on last year’s success,” Tuzzolo said. “We didn’t know what to expect a year ago. I was pleasantly surprised. We have a decent amount of talent here.”
But some of that talent has gone, leaving a couple of big holes for Tuzzolo to fill. Among them was pitcher Eillie Espilin. She logged 52 innings with a 3.80 ERA and an 8-4 record, including one shutout and five complete games.
“She had that senior leadership,” Tuzzolo said. “She had been a varsity pitcher for three years and took her lumps as a younger kid. We’re gonna miss her leadership and her ability, too. She was unflappable and could battle away after a bad inning.”
Also absent this year is second baseman Eva Grant, the team’s second-leading hitter last year with a .455 batting average who also ripped 12 extra-base hits.
Stepping in this season are senior captains Josie Kim, Tess Burroso and Amelia Ormond. Kim, the team’s starting catcher for the third straight year, was the Marauders’ leading hitter last year with a .510 batting average. Defensively, the Colby College commit caught 18 of 20 games (all complete games).
“She’s a leader who plays a ton of softball,” Tuzzolo said. “She’s a very well-respected player. “She’s not only a great offensive player but a fabulous catcher. She handles the pitchers well and calls her own game. We talk between innings about what to do and how to attack. She does a masterful job on calling pitches.”
At shortstop is Tess Burroso, who batted .386 last year with eight extra-base hits, all doubles, which led the team.
“She plays steady, solid defense,” Tuzzolo said. “She was our No. 2 spot hitter a year ago. She runs the bases well. She has a bubbly personality and is great to have around.”
The Marauders’ third and final captain, Amelia Ormond, will lead in center field. Last year, she batted .350 from the leadoff spot.
“She also is an excellent bunter and slap hitter,” Tuzzolo said. “She covers a ton of ground for us in center field. She’s a total leader out there. She’s a very smooth player, both offensively and defensively.”
Ormond is committed to playing for Union College in New York.
Tuzzolo will also lean on other returning players, including sophomore first baseman Elsie Lakin-Schultz who played all around the infield last year.
“By midseason, she was one of our best power hitters,” Tuzzolo said. “I’m looking forward to seeing what she’ll do this year both at the plate and on the field.”
Additionally, sophomore Guiliana Mastrangelo started last year for the junior varsity team but ultimately held down third base.
“She really came alive at the bat, too,” Tuzzolo said, adding that in 15 games, she hit an impressive .378.
Tuzzolo said fans should keep an eye out for newcomer sophomore Olivia Ormond, Amelia’s sister and the team’s top pitcher.
“I’m really looking forward to her taking the mound,” Tuzzolo said. “She’s grown a lot as a pitcher. I can see she’s really matured as a pitcher. She looks better this year than a year ago. There’s more speed on her pitches, and her motion is more fluid. She’ll be super important to us.”
Tuzzolo said playing in the Middlesex League is always a challenge, but he believes his Marauders have what it takes to be taken seriously this year.
“The Middlesex League is really tough, but I’m hoping to stay competitive with everyone,” he said. “Last year, we were in every game. If we do that this year, we’ll win as many if not more.”
