Four veteran Scarlet Hawks expected to lead way

By Chris Villani

Milford head softball coach Steve DiVitto welcomes back a young but athletic squad to the field this spring, with a small group of experienced players expected to guide a roster with numerous younger players stepping into big roles.

‘We are going to need them to lead the younger group,” DiVitto said of his captains, Cae Pellegrini and Olivia Baglione. “They did a nice job in the offseason, and we are going to need to bring that into the season.”

The pair have been named Hockomock League all-stars in each of the last three seasons and DiVitto said they have been effective table setters for their entire careers. In addition to that duo, Ava Baglione, a two-year starter in center field, and fellow speedy outfielder Katelyn Kearnan, are among MHS’s most experienced players.

“Defensively, there is nothing that drops in that outfield between the two of them,” DiVitto said. 

Milford will have four pitchers vying to replace Maeve Driscoll, who graduated after a stellar career in the circle. Freshmen Brook Stokes, Avery Macchi, and Lauren Williams will all see time along with Angelina Bonina. They will be throwing to a new battery mate, with Bella Loscerbo set to take over catching duties. 

“She is quick, knowledgeable, and intense,” DiVitto said. “She doesn’t shy away from things, and, as a catcher, that’s what you want to see.”

With Pellegrini set to play corner infield, the rest of the infield will be staffed by newer players including Lucia Testa, Amelia Maloney, and Lilah Driscoll. Kyla Nashawaty can play both infield and outfield, and Gianna Santiago is another veteran player in the program who will be called on to provide leadership.

“We know there is going to be a learning curve early on with a lot of new faces on the field and in the lineup,” DiVitto said. “I think the biggest thing for us is knowing that we can’t just dwell on being young in a lot of spots because we have a good mix of youth and veterans, and we are going to rely on the vets to guide the younger kids who are getting thrown right into the mix.”

In addition to needing “quick learners,” DiVitto said success will depend on Milford being able to lean on its collective versatility.

“These girls can play different positions and it’s going to breed a lot of competition,” DiVitto said. “That’s going to make my life difficult when I’m making the lineup, but I am fine with that.”