2020 Softball Preview
SALEM, Mass. – A lot of new faces will be a part of the Salem State softball program in 2020, a year removed from last season's 13-25 (2-12 MASCAC) finish. Second year head coach Alex Campione will need to find the right balance between her returning veterans and new players as the team attempts to improve on 2019's seventh place finish.
RETURNING PLAYERS
Offensively, the Vikings return the core of their top hitters. Juniors Mikayla Porcaro (.375) and Sydney Chiasson (.358) both had career high seasons last year at the plate and will lead the charge on offense. Senior, Ivy Bonoldi (.349), who missed the end of last season with a broken hand, will pick up where she left off as a dynamic and multi- tooled hitter while also anchoring the catching position. Sure handed first baseman and team captain Dominique Del Vecchio also returns, after posting a .288 batting average and team-leading 30 RBI. Del Vecchio along with Gracie Hogan, who is back at second base after major hip surgery this summer, junior captain Giana Berkowitz and sophomore Hannah Magee, all provide a solid nucleus defensively.
NEW FACES
Transfer junior, Krista Kennedy (Bridgewater), will add experience to the infield and power to the offense. Abigail Johnson (Meredith, NH/ Tilton) and Rebecca Walker (Lynn, MA/ Lynn Classical) have the ability to play multiple positions and are dynamic hitters with a mix of power and speed. Outfielder, Alex Sheehan (Marion, MA/ Old Rochester), and infielder, Kara Bendanillo bring a wealth of speed to the offense and have the ability to cover a lot of range in the field. Grace DuBois (Newton, NH/ Sanborn), and Sydney McKay (Gloucester, MA/ Gloucester), will be counted on in the circle as both have an effective combination of spin and sped. Isabelle Horton (Woburn, MA/ Woburn) adds depth behind the plate and will boost the power in our offense.
COACH'S TAKE
"This is a completely new team. We've returned some key leaders and have added a lot of young talent. There's a confident and cohesive energy with this group and we expect to in every game this season. This team will be really fun to watch. They're an energetic, hard- working, and selfless group that is committed to putting the team first. This team has a lot of potential, and if we can continue to stay true to what we value as a team, we'll compete in every game."
Salem State opens up against the University of New England on March 16th in Clermont, Fla.