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8th grade standouts and more: 37 Cape Cod high school softball players to see this spring

Courtney Jacobs, Cape Cod Times
·8 min read

Its time to mow and fertilize the grass, clean out the dugouts and wipe off the debris on the diamond because the high school softball season is here.

Five teams made the playoffs last season, with Sturgis and Bourne the only two picking up wins in the Preliminary Round. No team made it past the Round of 32 last year, but there are some players who will try to change that for their respective teams this season.

There are returning players on this list, as well as freshmen and an eighth grader. Here are some softball players that will help the success of their teams.

Jazlyn Coyer, Barnstable

Coyer is a sophomore who may be young, but Barnstable head coach Julia Ryan expects big things from her this season.

"Jazlyn is a complete player who will grow into a leader this year on Barnstable," Ryan said. "We are excited for her to have a breakout season this year."

Sara Ormston of Barnstable slides safely into second ahead of the tag by Mashpee shortstop Hailey Scholl.
Sara Ormston of Barnstable slides safely into second ahead of the tag by Mashpee shortstop Hailey Scholl.

Sara Ormston, Barnstable

Ormston is a two-way player who will affect both sides of the ball.

"She is going to be a solid force on the field, as well as a reliable batter in the lineup," Ryan said.

Willa Leighton of Monomoy dives back to third ahead of the tag by Bourne shortstop Jillian Allen during a May 24, 2023 game in Harwich.
Willa Leighton of Monomoy dives back to third ahead of the tag by Bourne shortstop Jillian Allen during a May 24, 2023 game in Harwich.

Jillian Allen, Bourne

Allen is a senior shortstop and one of Bourne's co-captains. She batted .375 last season, and head coach Glen Gifford said she "anchors the infield with a steady glove and strong arm."

Paige Meda of Bourne arrives at third ahead of the tag by Willa Leighton of Monomoy.
Paige Meda of Bourne arrives at third ahead of the tag by Willa Leighton of Monomoy.

Paige Meda, Bourne

Meda is a junior catcher but also effective at the plate, batting .465 last season. Gifford said she has a "good arm, a very good bat and runs the defense."

Bourne pitcher Jadyn Morrell winds up to throw.
Bourne pitcher Jadyn Morrell winds up to throw.

Jadyn Morrell, Bourne

Morrell is a senior pitcher who batted .451 last season. She will also be one of the captains this season for Bourne.

"She has led us to the state's (tournament) every year," Gifford said. "She's a steady player and a very good fielding pitcher."

Megan Bird, Cape Tech

The sophomore will play pitcher for the Crusaders for the first time this season, and head coach Mike Manley said he is "looking forward to her improvement as a hitter."

Cape Tech softball centerfielder Mikaela Venuti
Cape Tech softball centerfielder Mikaela Venuti

Mikaela Venuti, Cape Tech

The senior is the leadoff batter for the Crusaders, which Manley said "sets the table for the offense." She led the team last year with a 58% on-base-percentage.

Macayla Plante, Cape Tech

Plante is set to be one of the leaders for the Crusaders in her senior season.

"She is determined to make 2024 her best year at bat and on defense," Manley said. "She's ready to step up as a role model for the 11 freshmen."

Dennis-Yarmouth second baseman Savannah Azoff attempts to turn a double play after forcing Anna Bennett at second.
Dennis-Yarmouth second baseman Savannah Azoff attempts to turn a double play after forcing Anna Bennett at second.

Savannah Azoff, Dennis-Yarmouth

Azoff is a junior co-captain pitcher and batted fourth in the lineup last season. D-Y head coach Mike Bonasia called her a "fierce competitor."

D-Y shortstop Gabby Tanon runs down CeCe Donovan of Sandwich between second and third followed by second baseman Alexa Barboza.
D-Y shortstop Gabby Tanon runs down CeCe Donovan of Sandwich between second and third followed by second baseman Alexa Barboza.

Alexa Barboza, Dennis-Yarmouth

Barboza is a senior co-captain who plays shortstop and batted leadoff last season. Bonasia said she has a "strong arm."

Charleigh Hicks of D-Y launches a Sandwich pitch into the outfield.
Charleigh Hicks of D-Y launches a Sandwich pitch into the outfield.

Charleigh Hicks, Dennis-Yarmouth

Hicks, a junior, is a first baseman who batted in the third and fifth spots of the lineup. Bonasia said Hicks has "strong defensive skills."

Falmouth pitcher Anna Bennett winds up to throw against Martha's Vineyard.
Falmouth pitcher Anna Bennett winds up to throw against Martha's Vineyard.

Anna Bennett, Falmouth

The senior first baseman has a career batting average of .400.

"Anna is a solid first baseman and a strong leader in the infield," Falmouth head coach Amy Bruce said. "She is a very consistent hitter."

Kaylee Shaw, Falmouth

Shaw is a junior shortstop and leadoff hitter who had a batting average of .430 over the last two seasons. She was the Clippers leading run-scorer.

"Kaylee is a very strong defensive shortstop with a strong arm and great range," Bruce said.

Rylin Briggs, Falmouth

Briggs is a freshman who is ready to show her skills on the mound.

"Rylin is a strong pitcher with good speed and a good mix of pitches," Bruce said. "She will make a big impact from the start in the league. She also has a very strong bat and will be in the top four of the lineup."

Martha's Vineyard third baseman Kylee Brasefield (22) and shortstop Bella Arters reach for a pop-up hit by Summer Washabough of Bourne.
Martha's Vineyard third baseman Kylee Brasefield (22) and shortstop Bella Arters reach for a pop-up hit by Summer Washabough of Bourne.

Kylee Brasefield, Martha's Vineyard

Brasefield will be busy in her sophomore season as a utility player after a broken leg sidelined her from playing her freshman season.

"Kylee worked hard in the offseason to get stronger and be ready to play in 2024," Martha's Vineyard head coach Tiffany McCarty said. "With a big bat and strong throwing arm, Kylee is one to watch this upcoming season."

Kelly Pacheco, Martha's Vineyard

Pacheco may be a freshman, but she will be a captain for the Vineyarders as a catcher and utility player.

"Kelly became a catcher for us as an eighth grader after never playing the position," McCarty said. "Kelly is fearless, positively motivating and makes big plays when needed. After a strong showing last season, Kelly was made captain for the upcoming season and demonstrates leadership on and off the field."

Jordan Eagan, Mashpee

Junior Eagen is in her second year with the Falcons and will be a pitcher this season. Mashpee head coach Patricia Morano called her an "intense player."

Michelle Gonsalves, Mashpee

The sophomore catcher is a third-year player for the Falcons.

"She has a great attitude, will not be out-hustled and puts the team before herself," Morano said.

Tess Provencher, Mashpee

The first baseman sophomore is playing her third season for the Falcons.

"She has a great attitude, is a wonderful hitter, loves being part of a team and is a great role model," Morano said.

Bella Bellefeuille, Monomoy

The junior will be the first baseman for the Sharks this season.

"A solid defensive player and an offensive contributor," Monomoy head coach Stacy Yarnall said.

Monomoy catcher AJ Gates forces D-Y runner Charleigh Hicks at home before throwing out the runner at first.
Monomoy catcher AJ Gates forces D-Y runner Charleigh Hicks at home before throwing out the runner at first.

AJ Gates, Monomoy

Gates will be behind the plate as the catcher for her senior season.

"A commanding presence on the field and one of our top hitters," Yarnall said.

Shannon Keating of Sturgis slides into second breaking up a double play by Lilly Furman of Monomoy.
Shannon Keating of Sturgis slides into second breaking up a double play by Lilly Furman of Monomoy.

Lilly Furman, Monomoy

Furman will be a second baseman in her junior season for the Sharks.

"A solid middle infielder and offensive threat," Yarnall said.

Naomi Francis, Nauset

Francis will play at first base for her senior season.

"She is an excellent defensive player at first, makes big plays in the field and hits with power," Nauset head coach Harold Pini said.

Brynn Kew, Nauset

Kew is an eighth-grader who plays all positions for the Warriors.

"Kew has a strong arm, is fast and can hit with power. She will be pitching and has great potential," Pini said.

Audrey Silva, Nauset

Junior Silvia led the Warriors last year in batting average and runs scored.

"She has great speed and an arm in the outfield," Pini said.

Cassidy Conway, St. John Paul II

Conway is an eighth-grader who will play shortstop for the Lions.

"A skilled player who continues to show improvement both offensively and in the field," JPII head coach Damon Burchill said.

St. John Paul II catcher Sophia Pierangeli forces Luci Ciarletta of Sturgis at home.
St. John Paul II catcher Sophia Pierangeli forces Luci Ciarletta of Sturgis at home.

Sophia Pierangeli, St. John Paul II

The senior co-captain will play behind the plate as the catcher for her final high school season.

"She's a great leader for a young group," Burchill said. "She is an excellent hitter with plenty of power, and will anchor the lineup."

Celia Trombly, St. John Paul II

Trombly will pitch on the mound and play infield for her junior season.

"An eager player we are looking forward to having a breakout season," Burchill said. "She shows some power at the plate."

Maddie Brown, Sandwich

The sophomore will pitch and play at third base for the Lady Knights.

"Maddie is a great leader and an excellent hitter," Sandwich head coach Dana Battista said. "She can hit for both average and power. She is a hitter that pitchers will not want to throw to."

Mia Consalvi, Sandwich

The sophomore will be at shortstop for Sandwich this season.

"Mia is a tremendous hitter and fielder," Battista said. "Her softball knowledge is outstanding. All our defensive plays run through her, and I am excited to see her in action."

Courtney Kelley of Monomoy slides into home after being forced by Sandwich catcher Cece Donovan.
Courtney Kelley of Monomoy slides into home after being forced by Sandwich catcher Cece Donovan.

CeCe Donovan, Sandwich

The senior pitched all but two games last year and will look to maintain that consistency this season.

"She is only one of two seniors and we are looking for big things from her this year at the plate and on the mound," Battista said.

Jillian Parrott of Nauset arrives safely at home ahead of the throw to Sturgis catcher Ryley Mayo of Sturgis.
Jillian Parrott of Nauset arrives safely at home ahead of the throw to Sturgis catcher Ryley Mayo of Sturgis.

Ryley Mayo, Sturgis

The sophomore is the leadoff hitter and the catcher for Sturgis.

"She plays the game with everything she has," Sturgis head coach TJ Georgi said. "Her intensity and passion is what every coach hopes for."

Sturgis rightfielder Molly Reino stretches for a D-Y hit that dropped just out of her reach.
Sturgis rightfielder Molly Reino stretches for a D-Y hit that dropped just out of her reach.

Molly Reino, Sturgis

Reino will be a utility player for Sturgis in her junior season.

"A hard-swinging player that can play any position needed," Georgi said. "She also plays the game the right way and always leads by example by playing hard and lifting her teammates up."

Jaelynn Harraden of Upper Cape Tech arrives at second ahead of the tag by Nauset shortstop Jillian Parrott.
Jaelynn Harraden of Upper Cape Tech arrives at second ahead of the tag by Nauset shortstop Jillian Parrott.

Jaelynn Harraden, Upper Cape

Harraden is a junior who has been the starting center fielder since her freshman year.

"Jaelynn is a natural on the field and uses her speed to wreak havoc both in the field and on the base paths," Upper Cape head coach Robert Genereau said. "Jaelynn is a versatile hitter who has many weapons in her repertoire."

Upper Cape Tech pitcher Taysia Lopes winds up to deliver against Nauset.
Upper Cape Tech pitcher Taysia Lopes winds up to deliver against Nauset.

Taysia Lopes, Upper Cape

Lopes is a junior and has been the varsity starting pitcher since she was a freshman.

"She is an all-around talent, can play multiple positions, and is our strongest hitter," Genereau said. "Taysia provides quiet leadership and leads by her example on the field."

Contact Courtney Jacobs at cjacobs@capecodonline.com. Follow him on X/Twitter: @CJ_Journalist.

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This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: 37 Cape Cod high school softball players to watch this spring