NORTHBOROUGH/SOUTHBOROUGH – A new season is set to begin.
And Algonquin softball head coach Kristen Morcone is feeling optimistic.
With a core group of six seniors, one returning junior and a “strong group of sophomores” the team is bringing experience and energy to the field as it looks to take a step forward following a difficult 2021 season.
“The majority of the girls that will be playing in the games, with the addition of a couple new faces, they’ve been here before,” Morcone said.
“They know what to expect and they’re ready, they’re very hungry to turn a new page over from last year and really take the next step towards a more successful season,” she continued.
Algonquin finished its 2021 campaign with a 2-12 win-loss record, snagging a pair of victories over St. Bernard’s but ultimately landing in last place in the Mid-Wach A division.
Just under a year later, the Titans were back in action on Friday against Milford, hosting a scrimmage at Algonquin.
Morcone touted her seniors, five of whom are returning from last year.
“We have strong leadership from our senior class,” she said.
She saw additional reason to be proud on Friday, watching her offense punch runs past Milford.
“We put the ball in play pretty well especially in the first couple innings,” Morcone said. “We put the pressure on them.”
She added that she has been “pleasantly surprised” by more aggressive defensive performances from a number of her players.
Algonquin will start its regular season on April 8 with a home game against North Middlesex.
For players, this will open a new slate of games with what they hope will be a greater sense of normalcy after years of pandemic disruption.
“They’re excited to have a chance at a postseason,” Morcone said of her seniors, who have not had a “normal” season since their freshman year.
“I think they’re excited to end on a high note because they’ve put their work in for the past four years.”
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