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By Michael Flanagan
Hometown Weekly Sports Editor
Coming off of a 10-10 regular season and their second straight Division II state tournament appearance in 2017, the Medfield High School varsity softball team began their 2018 campaign on the right note this past week with consecutive victories over key conference rivals Ashland (15-2) and Dover-Sherborn (8-4).
Leading the Warriors into battle this season are a trio of senior captains in Ally Carlin, Michaela Anton, and Rachel Kornet.
“We came in as a big class of freshman,” said Carlin when asked about what this season means to her and the rest of the 2018 senior class. “It’s a 20-member varsity team and our class has been honored to be able to contribute to and impact the team these past three seasons and we’re looking to continue that as we lead our team this season.”
On the mound, the Warriors will be led by a duo of aces in Alana Potts and Mary Cronin, according to head coach Travis Taliaferro.
“We are going to rely heavily on Alana Potts and Mary Cronin,” said Taliaferro. “Potts had one of the best statistical seasons in recent memory last season, and with a solid defense behind her, we hope she can replicate her command over her pitches and her ability to get out of tough situations.”
Offensively, Medfield hopes to drive in a few more runs than they did a season ago, and will need their senior class to do a significant amount of damage with the bat.
“At the plate, we as a team need to rebound from an off-year offensively,” said Taliaferro. “Most likely to replace the departed senior class in terms of offense from last year are our seniors this year. [Rachel] Kornet, [Katherine] Corzilius, [Mary] Cronin, [Ally] Carlin, and [Michaela] Anton all figure to be big parts of our offense, both in terms of ability and with their leadership in practice and games. Cronin and sophomores Laura Clifford, Ari Tristani, and Julia Farrell have all had solid preseasons at the plate.”
As far as expectations go, Taliaferro says the Warriors hold a high ceiling come tournament time, and have their eyes set on making a lot of noise within the conference.
“We feel that we are a playoff-caliber team with a high ceiling,” said Taliaferro. “We would like to compete for the TVL Large title, which is a tall task, given the fact that perennial contenders like Hopkinton, Norton, and Holliston ended up in our division. We feel like we can play with any team in the league on any given day.”
With two wins under their belts, the Warriors will gear up for a big week as Medfield hosts Hopkinton on April 11 before traveling to Medway on April 13.
For funny and incisive sports analysis, follow Mike Flanagan on his personal Twitter at @fLAno0, or read his blog at www.flannylive.wordpress.com.
