Jenny Davey, shown earlier this season, was half of the BG pitching tandem, with Michaela Bowen, who helped the Cards upset Timberlane in the Division I prelims on Wednesday. (Telegraph file photo by TOM KING)

They were the story of a busy tournament season, the Bishop Guertin Cardinals rise through the Division I softball tournament all the way to the finals.

Now with that boosting the program, the goal for the Cards will be to have that momentum carry over in the 2025 season that begins this week.

“We had a great season last year and we’re excited to keep building on that success,” BG coach Dakota Bilodeau said.

Locally, Nashua South hopes to improve, while North is also looking to make strides. Merrimack was a tourney team and could be again, and Alvirne is also on the upswing with more experience.

In Division II, always look at Hollis Brookline and Campbell as contenders, and perhaps Souhegan as well. Here’s a look:

DIVISION I

Guertin’s got some key seniors, including infielder Sophie Bilodeau, utility Meara McDevitt, infielder Bella Nutting and pitcher-infielder Jenny Davey.

“Our senior class brings strong leadership and we’ve got a talented group of underclassmen ready to step up,” Bilodeau said. “The energy and dedication are there.”

Watch also pitcher-outfielder Avery Zapenas and sophomore utility player Gabby Gillette.

Youth is no longer an excuse in coach Kevin Handy’s mind for Nashua South.

“Last year we were still considered a young team in the state, but now all those sophomores and one junior who started since freshman year are now juniors and seniors, providing us the experience we need,” Handy said.

Emily Richard is that senior, being a big part of the infield, while in the circle the Panthers will look for junior Cate Marvin to be one of the better arms in Division I this season. Offense will come from juniors Brooke Berger and Cara Leblond, considered two of the top 20 hitters in the state in Handy’s mind.

Behind the plate, Maliya-Richer-Valentin and Nicki Gates will share time, and multi-positional newcomer Njau Shirley will help out.

“We have some big bats this season which will help our defense out tremendously and keep us in a lot of games,” Handy said.

Nashua North is looking for a good season with the leadership-by-example of seniors Hope Blondin (infielder-pitcher) and infielder Taylor Joyal, a four-year starter. Watch out for freshmen Neha Lingadal and Marissa Trudel, two of 10 freshmen in the program, which is great.

“With 10 freshmen, seven sophomores and one junior, this gives North a chance to deelop skills and make the team a cohesive group for the future,” Titans second-year coach Jen Hall said.

Alvirne hopes to rebound from a 5-13 season as Hudson softball guru Becky Radziewicz has some more experience. Radziewicz is in her second year after 10 years coaching the Hudson Middle School team and she also runs the town’s rec softball program, so she knows these players inside-out.

“Despite growing pains, our team gained invaluable game-time experience, setting the foundation for the program’s future success,” Radziewicz said.

Junior catcher/1B/OF Cori Sevigny is coming off a .481 season and sophomore infielder-catcher Nyiah Stroming hit .422. Senior captain Avery Willard will be a key, as well as freshmen Abbi Kowalski (infielder-catcher) and Adriana Vallante (1B-P).

Merrimack, as we said, was a solid team a year ago the the Tomahawks will look to build off of that. Last year they rode the talent of pitcher Marissa Nelson, eligible to be back as a junior, and senior infielder Lily Dionne. Both were All-Area players last year.

DIVISION II

Hollis Brookline has been the best local team in the division for the last few years, and that shouldn’t change with three key seniors, outfielder Emily Tebbetts, infielder Ava Imbrogno and outfielder Sophia Brickner, plus junior infielder Jenna O’Conner.

“We’re working hard to gain confidence and improve our softball IQ every day,” Cavs coach Greg Cochrane said. “We’re very united and excited to see what this season has in store for us.”

The Sabers of Souhegan lost no one to graduation, so watch out.

“We’re returning with an experienced team that is hungry for battle,” Souhegan coach Hannah Cochran said. “… We’re looking forward to success as underdogs in the league.”

The team revolves around two two-time All-Staters, senior shortstop/catcher Isabelle Brandt and senior first baseman/pitcher Gabby Torres. Other keys are junior center fielder Grace Harrold and sophomore catcher/third baseman Eva York.

Milford has some key returnees, including junior pitcher-shortstop Alivia Mazzeo and sophomore pitcher-shortstop Haley Harrington, so you can see how that alternating dynamic might work. Also back are senior first baseman Molly Miles, and catcher Mya Coombs. Keep an eye on freshmen Arabelle Danforth, Stella Thibodeau and Teagan Goldstein.

“The key to our success this year is to be more consistent in the field, making the plays we should make and maybe a few that we shouldn’t,” Spartans coach Bill Draper said. “I think the influx of talented freshmen will push everyone to work harder. I believe we can be one of the top teams if we are willing to work hard for it.”

As for Campbell, the move up to Division II the last few years has removed that dominance the Cougars had in Division III, but they’ve still been solid. They should have senior pitcher Theresa Ivas back, plus a couple sophomores who were eligible to return from their freshman seasons to provide pitching depth, Katie Fluet, an Izzy LaRose.