Aztecs look to fountain of youth to lead softball team
By Ken Powers Community Reporter

Marlborough - While aficionados of the Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School softball team will know each member of the team by number, position, throwing mechanics and batting stance, the casual observer will probably need a program to become familiar with the Aztecs' 2008 squad.

That's because coach Dan Coffey in the process of retooling last year's team, which finished 14-5 and qualified for the Central Mass. Division 3 Tournament.

"Graduation hit us hard," Coff ey said. "We've got a real youth movement going on this season."

The Aztecs are indeed, as almost half - six of 15 - of the roster are freshmen. There are also three sophomores, three juniors and three seniors on the squad.

Leading the way is junior catcher Samantha Kerrigan and her senior battery-mate, pitcher Lauren Tracy. Kerrigan was a Colonial Athletic League (CAL) All-Star last season having batted over .300.

Tracy was Assabet's No. 2 pitcher a year ago, but has moved up to the No. 1 spot in the rotation due to the graduation of last year's ace, Julie DeCenzo.

In addition to filling the spikes of DeCenzo, Assabet's top hurler for two seasons, Tracy has had to deal with a mandate implemented this year that moved the mound back three feet, from 40 to 43 feet.

"So far, so good. Lauren's getting the ball over the plate, throwing strikes and not walking anyone," Coff ey said. "She worked hard in the off-season preparing for the rule change, so the adjustment to the mound being farther back has been pretty smooth."

Tracy and the Aztecs entered play this week with a 2-1 record, thanks to wins over Nashoba Tech and Keefe Tech, which off set a loss to Hudson Catholic.

Coff ey hopes to rest Tracy on occasion this season by using freshman Erin Moore in certain spots. Moore's regular position is as a first baseman, but Coffey said she showed great progress as a pitcher through the preseason.

Sophomore Kristen Montroy will be Assabet's starting shortstop and will bat third, behind Kerrigan, who will bat leadoff , and freshman second baseman Nicole Soto, who will bat second.

Freshman Alexandra Kalil will play third base. Kalil will bat in the middle of the order, as will senior Tara Chicco, who will alternate between right field and designated hitter. Chicco batted over .400 for the Aztecs last season, but has been slowed this season by a nagging minor injury.

Freshman Ashley Salem will play right field when Chicco doesn't, while junior Casey Taillacq will patrol center field. Taillacq batted .500 in a limited number of at-bats last season. She belted a homerun in the win over Nashoba Tech.

Rounding out what Coff ey believes will be his regular starting lineup is junior Kate Shepard, who will play left field.

Reserves for the Aztecs include sophomores Brittany Scesny and Kim Tucker, freshmen Jess Pellegrino and Kelsey Murphy, and senior Marcia McCoy.

Coff ey thinks the team to beat in the CAL this year is the same as it is every year - Monty Tech.

"They are the program by which we're all measured," Coff ey said. "Not only are they the top team in the league every year, but they have a legitimate chance to win the Central Mass. title each year."