The Bishop Guertin softball team had a lot of celebrations during their run to the Division I semis last spring. (Telegraph file photo by TOM KING)

There hasn’t been a lot of glory when it comes to local high school softball.

The last championship came in 2021, when Campbell, now in Division II, captured the Division III title in the return of spring sports from COVID. Wilton-Lyndeborough won it all in 2019.

The last Division I and II crowns both came on a magical night in June of 2017, when Bishop Guertin won the Division I title and Milford the Division II crown.

Since, it’s all been a struggle, mainly because of the lack of a dominant pitcher. Milford reached the finals in 2021 in the open tourney, while last year Bishop Guertin made it to the semis, bowing to Pinkerton.

Will it change? They’ll all give it a try in a season that begins this coming week. Guertin hopes to maintain, while Nashua South is looking for a tourney spot. The rest in the area will be competitive.

Nashua North has a new coach in former assistant Jamie Trudel, while so does Alvirne in alum Haley Peaslee and Hollis Brookline with Kate Donegan.

DIVISION I

The Cards are young but experienced, led by senior outfielder Avery Zapenas, fellow senior Deanna Miles (c-inf), junior Chloe Sellers (utility), plus sophomore utility players Bailey Brisk and Shayne Amico.

“We’ll continue to play with grit and determination, and our leadership group will be instrumental in developing the program and sustaining its strong legacy,” Cards coach Dakota Bilodeau said.

At Nashua South, the goal is the playoffs after missing out on a tiebreaker last season. And they have a standout to rally around in senior circle ace Cate Marvin, plus First-Team All-State outfielder Brooke Berger.

Additional returning senior starters are Cara Leblond at short, Maliyah Richer-Valentin (c-3b), and Nicki Gates (c-1b). Plus watch for junior infielder Shirley Njau, who started every game last year as a sophomore.

“While it may sound cliché, we truly believe the sky’s the limit for this program,” South coach Kevin Handy said. “We have the experience, talent, leadership and determination to compete at a high level.”

Nashua North will simply look to raise its level, based on a winless streak of 90 games, with the guidance of new coach Jamie Trudel, who was an assistant last year. They return sophomore Julianna Cassista after an early season injury plus sophomore Neha Lingadal, and both will lead the pitching staff.

Junior Hayden Danehy is at first, with Aaina Anaya at third and freshman Maycia Hudson is expected to make an immediate impact behind the plate.

A young team, to be sure.

“We’re focused on strong fundamentals and a positive team culture,” Trudel said. “With a solid defensive core and a strong group of nine on the field, we look forward to competing and growing throughout the season.”

Merrimack has been a tourney fixture the last few years and that should continue, with a solid senior group led by the pitching and hitting of Marissa Nelson, All State center fielder Bayleigh Robichaud, infielder Olivia Burke and catcher Katie Coolidge. Juniors Cam Bellen, Kendelle Hendrzak and Ashley Senecal will be important, too.

“We have a solid group this year,” ‘Hawks coach Steve Yabroudy said, “and I’m excited to see how their hard work translates on the field as the season unfolds.”

The Broncos of Alvirne will have a mix of experience and youth with six returnees and five freshmen. Key returning players include Ryleigh Dressel (3b-of), Abbie Kowalski (3b-c-utility) and Olivia Burtt (2b-p).

“It’s a young but talented roster eager to make an impact,” Peaslee said. “The group brings strong work ethic, energy, and willingness to grow in key roles. With continued progress, Alvirne looks to emerge as a competitive and up-and-coming program.”

DIVISION II

Souhegan feels it will be a team to be reckoned with, leaning on the duo junior captain Eva York and senior Lexi Wolsky. Defensively, senior Grace Harrold and junior Violet Quesnel are keys while the Sabers may have a freshman batter of pitcher Charlotte York and catcher Sophie Cullen.

“We have a strong blend of experienced leadership and rising talent,” Sabers coach Hannah Cochran said. “We look poised for a promising season ahead.”

Milford is looking for improvement with the key being its senior battery of pitcher Alivia Mazzeo and catcher Mya Coombs, plus the strong bats of junior Haley Harrington and sophomore Arabelle Danforth. Nadia Dutton, a junior, came on strong last year as well.

“I think that if we stay healthy, we can make a good run into the playoffs,” Spartans coach Bill Draper said.

Hollis Brookline has three senior leaders in catcher Megan Eckman, second baseman Jenna O’Connor and center fielder Olivia Chakarian.

Look to for junior first baseman Lindsey Emmons, sophomore pitcher Sarah Seddon and eight freshmen. There’s no JV team so plenty of underclassmen tow watch, including Madelyn Sinclair (1b-3b), Kendall Dunn (catcher-1b) and outfielder Brooklyn Olsewski.

“Strong bats and athleticism describe these ladies best,” Donegan said. “Teamwork and positive attitudes drive a building year.”

At Campbell, the Cougars will be led by First Team All-Stater Katie Fluet, plus fellow junior Katelyn Brown. Sophomores Ashlyn Asara and Kyulie White will help out, as will other juniors like Izzy LaRose and Zoen McNamara.

“We’re looking forward to a competitive season with a strong returning core and some promising new additions,” Campbell coach Ray Gamache said. “This is a young team with no seniors, so development and gaining experience will be key as the season progresses.”