Athlete Spotlight: Alaina Giuliano

Jose Rodriguez '24, Staff Writer | Media & Communications

SALEM, Mass.-- This week, Salem State Athletics is featuring reigning MASCAC Rookie of the Week Alaina Giuliano (Malden, Mass.), who took home the award for the week ending March 30. Giuliano batted .500 for the week, going 5-for-10 with six runs, five walks and a pair of stolen bases for the Vikings. The freshman went 2-for-6 with three runs and two stolen bases in a split with New England College and followed up with three hits in four at-bats with three runs and a pair of walks in two wins over Fitchburg State. 

Giuliano talked about what it means earning MASCAC Rookie of the Week. "As a newcomer to the softball team, being named rookie of the week is a huge accomplishment and privilege to see that my hard work and dedication has paid off."  

The Malden native talked about what was working well for her as she batted .500 with five walks during the week. "Going up to the plate and having the confidence in myself and taking pitches and being patient at the plate. Right now I'm pretty confident at the plate, but I always go into a game knowing I need to battle and not just expect to do well."

The criminal justice major talked about her goals. "I want to achieve a lot of mental goals and keep up the hard work on and off the field." She also added what is working well for the team as they are undefeated in conference play with a 4-0 record. "I believe our hard work every day at practice and our friendships are really helping us play as a team."

A specific game that resonates with her was when the team traveled to Florida over spring break. "All the games in our preseason in Florida resonates with me because it was my first time playing college softball and I knew after what to expect and work on for the season." Additionally she added about her in-season and off-season routines. "In-season I really try and put my all into softball and academics and in the off-season I train and play on teams to keep my mind occupied for the off-season."

The newcomer talked about her pregame routine. "My pregame ritual is always listening to music and getting ready to play. The key for me is really working on drills for my slapping." 

Her teammate Mackenzie DeSantis (Ridge, N.Y.) took home the MASCAC Player of the Week accolade and Giuliano talked about how proud she is of her. "I am so proud of "Mac" for earning player of the week. She comes to practice and games with energy and determination."

A big key in the victory against Fitchburg State was when the Vikings scored five runs in the first and six more in the fourth to cap off an 11-2 victory in five innings. "The first five runs set the tone for the game and helped us with the energy the whole game. We worked hard to get the six-run lead in the fourth and it was huge for us."

Giuliano started playing softball when she was 12 years old and an interesting fact about her is that she is a second-degree black belt in martial arts, and it was her parents that influenced her the most by their hard work and support. Her go-to meal is pizza.

Next for Giuliano and the Vikings is Bridgewater State for a Massachusetts State Colligate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) doubleheader on Saturday April 6. Game one is scheduled to start at 12:30 while game two is scheduled for 2:30.