Melrose sluggers open season this week

Published in the April 13, 2018 edition

By JENNIFER GENTILE

MELROSE—The Melrose High School softball team has a new leader.

Tawny Palmieri has taken over head coaching duties this season, replacing longtime coach Steve Wall. Palmieri is a 2008 graduate of Peabody High School. She played softball at Umass Amherst, and Merrimack College, where she was both captain and a NE-10 All-Conference award winner from 2011-2013. In 2013, she became a Division 2 All-American as a third baseman. She arrives in Melrose by way of Hamilton-Wenham High School, where she helped build up the struggling program. 

Clearly, Melrose High softball is in good hands with Palmieri, who is excited at a chance to coach in a competitive Middlesex League. 

TAWNEY PALMIERI takes over as head coach of the Melrose High softball team, who are slated to begin their season this week. (courtesy photo)

“Middlesex League softball is the way softball should be,” she says. “There is so much talent and I’m familiar with almost all of the coaches, some I played for and some I played with. But I’m mostly impressed with the talent of this Melrose team. I’m so optimistic because their softball IQ is great.”

Melrose returns with four captains: senior Saoirse Connolly, Sam Farrell, Emily Cataldo and junior Jill Stone. Melrose returns both experienced starters and some exciting underclassmen. 

On the mound, look or returning starter Jill Stone to lead Melrose in pitching. “I’m excited about her this season, she keeps getting better and has been strong in scrimmage.” Also joining the staff is Anais Abrego, a pitcher who has great movement that can throw batters off, according to the coach. 

Getting outside has been a challenge. Melrose hadn’t stepped foot on their home base at Pine Banks until this week. Like most spring sports, early season preparation has been challenging and Melrose postponed their home opener on Tuesday due to field conditions. “We have been able to get inside work done and an indoor scrimmage, which was helpful and gave us a sense of what our strengths are.” 

The coach sees strength in their small game. “While we have power hitting, we also have quick hitters with fast base running.”

Look for returning starters Rebecca Dumont and Collette Skinner to return to the diamond, along with players such as Brianna Stanton, Olivia Conlon, Grace Solomon, Caroline Kiernan, Mary Kate Mahoney, Ella Ruby, Sophia George, Adrienna Centrella, Sofia Centrella, Emily Starek, Ava Lopresti, Grace Solomon, and Caitlyn Kenney. 

Once again, Melrose will compete in an always-competitive Middlesex League. Look for Burlington to be a league and division favorite. But this competitive regular season play can only help Melrose prep for what they hope will be a playoff season. 

 “Our goal is high,” says the coach. “Not just to get into the tournament, but to be one of the last teams standing.” 

Melrose will travel to Arlington on Thursday (post deadline) before hosting Woburn on April 18 at 10:00 a.m.