Nashua South's Natalie Ward, shown making a ;play at the plate vs. rival North in 2019, will be back with the Panthers this spring as the season begins this coming week after a year's absence. (Telegraph file photo by TOM KING)

A lot has changed in high school softball since we last saw it two years ago.

There are several new coaches in the area, with first-year mentors at Alvirne, Hollis Brookline, Souhegan, Milford and Wilton-Lyndeborough. This will be the first season in several years without longtime staples Jim Rines of Milford and WLC’s Denny Claire. Claire retired a winner two springs ago, his Warriors winning the Division IV title. Rines stepped down earlier this winter from Milford after an illustrious high school career that included titles there and at Souhegan.

Here’s a look at the locals:

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DIVISION I

Nashua South's Natalie Ward, shown making a ;play at the plate vs. rival North in 2019, will be back with the Panthers this spring as the season begins this coming week after a year's absence. (Telegraph file photo by TOM KING)

Kevin Handy of Nashua South believes he would have had a very competitive team had it played last season, as the Panthers have made some strides.

Keys for South include senior pitcher Natalie Ward, senior infielder Audra Robinson and senior third baseman Alexis Roberge, whom Handy feels is one of the best third basemen in the state. Also keep an eye on sophomore Elizabeth DeRusha, who will catch, pitch and play the infield. Freshman Jillian Daley (pitcher, infielder, outfielder) and Morgan Gillis (infield) also are going to play a role.

“This group may be young, but they all want to work hard every day, and grow together,” Handy said. “I believe this group will continue to show improvement every week.”

Nashua North coach Jenna Gianelli had expected big things last season, with a group of seniors that she had nurtured through the program. Now it will be up to a younger group.

“Our 2021 season will be a building year for sure,” Gianelli said. “But I’m excited about the dedication my girls have shown thus far, and have a lot of hope for how far we can go, especially with an automatic playoff (berth).”

Nashua South infielder Lexi Roberge will be one of the keys for the Panthers this season. (Telegraph file photo by TOM KING)

There are a couple of key seniors, Riley Brady and Paige Stapledon, who are expect to show some speed on the base paths with junior outfielders Aliana Mercado and Rosalinda Tavarez stealing away, plus covering a lot of defensive ground. Junior Mackenzie Tanner will help out, too. The Titans also will play a lot of sophomores, including Samantha Smalls, Cailin Carbonneau, Mackenzie Brady and Tylea Wong.

Alvirne has a handful of seniors and juniors who played two years ago, beginning with senior righty pitchers Courtney Marioles and Megan Jacques. Key returning juniors include middle infielder Mia Francisco, outfielder Sabrina Testa and catcher Talia Duca.

“The returners,” Kraytenberg said, “all give us a competitive edge, and they’re eager to get back out on the field and compete after missing last year.”

Bishop Guertin, meanwhile, for the first time since they won it all in 2017, will have the majority of the roster as upperclassmen – most prominently, senior captains Katie Splaine and Stephanie Coulombe.

Two keys are in the outfield, senior Emma Charron and junior Torey Hart. Junior Maddy Bowen returns behind the plate, and her sister, freshman newcomer Michaella Bowen, will provide a boost.

“The returning players,” Cards coach Leah Maciejewski said, “are expected to make their mark.”

Merrimack coach Gret Cochrane is back for his second season after taking the Tomahawks to the Division I quarterfinals two years ago. Top players back from that team include senior infielders Erin Knauer and Lindsey Hui, plus junior pitcher Emma Camberlain. Some up-and-comers are juniors Ashlyn Cassetty (catcher), Grace Lawton and Morgan Goodspeed (both infielders).

“We’re excited and ready,” Cochrane said. “This is a talented, high-energy group of committed athletes. … We expect to be a well-rounded team with solid pitching and defense, with a diverse lineup.”

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DIVISION II

Hollis Brookline has a new coach in Ashley Skey – a 2015 HB grad and former Cavalier player – with a young, but talented team. Key players include junior pitcher-outfielder Allison Johnson, sophomore pitcher-outfielder Austyn Krump, sophomore catcher-infielder Abigail Guay and freshman pitcher-shortstop Kailey Disco.

“I have a very talented group of girls who are versatile and enthusiastic about being able to play this season,” Skey said. “With hard work and great attitudes, I expect to see amazing things from my team.”

Milford dipped into the class of 2015 as well, in naming former Spartan standout Julia Mazzeo to replace Rines. She missed a title by one year – Milford won in 2016 and 2017 – but knows what it takes.

“I’m looking forward to working with the team and carrying on the Milford High School softball tradition,” she said. “Despite all the changes over the past year, I think we’ll have a successful season.”

Keys for the Spartans include senior catcher Steph Stillwagon, junior infielder-outfielder Ali Fortin, junior pitcher Madison Herbert and junior catcher-outfielder Chloe Ducharme.

Souhegan has been a quiet contender in previous seasons, but has languished in the shadow of Milford. But this year might be different, under new coach Michelle Sousa.

“We anticipate great things from the strong team and talent we have on the roster,” Sousa said.

She mentions senior captains Ava Vanballegooyen and Madison Lemar, plus juniors Olivia Harnish and Danielle Drobat as big keys.

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DIVISION III

As was the case in the fall and winter, Campbell Cougar spring teams won’t play many regular season games in-division, but coach Eric Gibbons feels they can use that to their advantage.

“We’ll compete with any team out there,” he said. “The primary objective is to get through the regular season and be prepared for the final four games (in the postseason).”

He’s got experience, with 10 seniors (who were talented sophomores when they last played) and two juniors.

Leading the way will be pitchers Maddie Davis (senior) and Catherine Carignan (junior), both of whom also can hit well. Cathcer Chloe Steineger also will hit. There’s a good crop of younger players, too, including sophomore Maddi Lane, plus freshmen Gia Bellino and Leeann Ramos.

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DIVISION IV

Ah, the glory days. The Warriors have just three players remaining from their championship run for new coach and former assistant Scott Dowling – senior outfielder Tiff Cuddihy, junior center fielder Madison Raymond and sophomore catcher Abby Dowling.

Other keys include sophomore pitcher-infielder Ryleigh Smith and junior pitcher-utility Emily Dubois.

Like Campbell, WLC will play a lot of games out of division due to close proximity.

“We’re a young team that is showing a lot of promise,” Dowling said. “We’re ready to meet any challenge presented to us.

“We look at this season as a great way for us to build a young squad to not only be successful this year, but for many years to come.”

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