3-0 Melrose dominates Spartans
Published May 14, 2021
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—Could this be the year that the Melrose High softball earns that elusive Middlesex league title? Let’s just say the forecast looks favorable judging by the start of their season.
Melrose kicked off their 2021 campaign and are 3-0 after two consecutive thumpings over Stoneham and a (late deadline) game against Watertown on Tuesday night.
They came in the form of wins by scores of 17-1 and 16-4 via mercy rule last Thursday and Saturday and an 18-5 win against Watertown. Their home opener was Saturday afternoon at Pine Banks Park and home fans got a treat, watching Melrose pick up their second straight win. Against Watertown Melrose’s Caroline Keirnan and Cassie Sleeper hit homers.
Fourteen players make up the roster, including senior captains Adriana Centrella, Sofia Centrella, Brianna Stanton and Caroline Kiernan. The group are valued leaders according to Melrose head coach Kelly O’Neill, who is essentially putting together a new team after 700 days off. “We’re so happy to be back on the field,” she says. “We’ve adjusted everything with only two players returning to positions that they played at the end of their last season. We have strategically placed and trained players in new spots, and we look good.”
Having two years off hasn’t led to any rust, fortunately. Says the coach, “I’m very happy to see that many players did not take two years off. They kept at improving their game in the off-season. We’re very excited to see where this season goes.”
Pitching is well-covered behind the hands of sophomore Cassie Sleeper and junior Bridget Corolla. Sleeper has made quite a first impression in her debut sophomore season (no freshman season during COVID.) In Melrose’s first game against Stoneham, Sleeper had 7 strikeouts and in her second game she had 10. Says her coach, “Cassie is pitching great. It helped too that our bats are on fire and we are playing smart softball. We have already had two home runs this season.”
Those homers came courtesy of Sleeper and battery mate, Maddie Kozlowski, the team’s catcher. So far, it’s a relationship that is working on the field. “These two also have been controlling the plate and mound with ease,” says O’Neill.
O’Neill sees an advantage of utilizing twin sisters Sofia and Adrianna Centrella in the corners in the infield. Both multi-sport athletes are a huge assets for Melrose. “Moving the Centrella sisters to both corners has been a complete game-changer,” says the coach. “They both are playing with a new sense of urgency and determination. I believe this new level of play stemmed from losing last season. They are playing every pitch like it could be their last, complete domination. I’m excited to see what the twins will bring us this year.”
One advantage that Melrose has displayed early on is dominance on the base path. “Our biggest strength is our speed. We’re a quick team. Once we get on the bases there is nothing stopping us.”
The coach also predicts some improvements to the outfield. “What we’re looking to improve on is our outfield coverage. Luckily, we have a great outfield coach Kaitlyn Carson [MHS alum] joining us this year. She played outfield at University of New England and is a huge asset to our program.”
Around the horn, look for work at first base by Adriana Centrella, short stop by Maddie Tobin, second base by Caroline Kiernan, third base by Sofia Centrella, right field by Briana Stanton, left field by Lauren Overlan, center field by Ava Burns and DH work from Emily Waden. Upperclassmen who are also lacing up include Christina Halloran, Delia McCarthy and Francesca Maiuri. Freshman Adele McAndrews and Brigid Corrolla come in new and will be sure to get time.
With two games behind them, and having outscored their opponents 35-1 in two games, Melrose will look to continue their winning ways this week when they tackle Watertown, whom they travel to on Saturday. This season, Melrose will play solely ML Freedom League teams (Burlington, Stoneham, Wakefield, Watertown, Wilmington) which could increase their chances of winning a first ever league title.
“Winning that league title looks real doable this year, which would be a huge accomplishment,” says O’Neill. “It has been too long since numbers have been placed on that banner and this team looks like they could accomplish it.”
