For what the Belmont High School softball team may lack in varsity experience, the Marauders boast a promising core of young talent.
The top five hitters from last year’s tournament team graduated, but third-year coach Joe Tuzzolo likes what he sees from a new-look roster.
“We’ve got a lot of work to do, but I like these young kids a lot,” said Tuzzolo, who has guided the program to postseason appearances in each of his first two seasons after the program’s decade-and-a-half state tournament drought. “I do think it’s going to take some time to settle in.”
The Marauders went 11-10 last year, winning a preliminary game in the MIAA Division I Tournament before falling to top-seeded and eventual state champion Taunton High School.
Junior Olivia Ormond returns as the team’s top pitcher. She struck out 200 batters over 120 innings and posted an ERA of 3.67. She’ll also hit near the top of the order. To start the year, there’s no second pitcher. The program is trying to find a second option among two or three others. The plan is for Ormond to throw every pitch, barring injury, or in lopsided games.
“At times, she was dominant. I look forward to her being back,” Tuzzolo said. “I think she’s going to be even better than last year. At least early on, she’ll have to carry us.”
Top returning position players include senior infielders Anna Shapinsky (.333 batting average), Angelina Carney (.295 batting average, three doubles), and sophomore catcher/outfielder Janna Feinberg (.316 batting average, four doubles). Sophomore first baseman Maddie Pennock cracked the starting lineup midway through the season last year and looks to evolve into a standout. Lucy Warner, who played junior varsity as an eighth grader but did not last year, returned to the program and will play regularly.
Feinberg takes over behind the plate for graduate Josie Kim, who is now playing at Colby College. Belmont’s other captain from last year, Amelia Ormond, Olivia’s older sister, is now playing at Union College. The starting catcher, shortstop, second baseman, center fielder and left fielder all graduated. They were also the top five hitters in the lineup.
Numbers in the program are strong, with 32 total players, including 10 eighth-graders on junior varsity.
“I was really, really happy to see how talented they are,” said Tuzzolo, who was unaware of the strong eighth-grade class. They cannot play varsity, but their development is key for when they matriculate to high school. “The future is bright.”
A non-league matchup March 30 at the Marauders’ home Claypit Field against Newton South High School lead off the season. Other games to watch:
- April 16 vs. Wakefield Memorial High School, 4:15 p.m.
- April 22 vs. Woburn Memorial High School, 4:15 p.m.
- May 6 at Bedford High School, 4 p.m.
- May 8 vs. Reading Memorial High School, 4:15 p.m.
- May 13 vs. Arlington High School, 4:15 p.m.
“We really did try to upgrade the non-league schedule from the past couple years because we felt like it would give us a better opportunity to make the tournament, and get ready for it, with high-quality play,” Tuzzolo said. “As always, the Middlesex League is tough.”
