logo
High school softball notebook: These two-way stars aim to pitch in at the plate, and in the circle

High school softball notebook: These two-way stars aim to pitch in at the plate, and in the circle

Boston Globe16-04-2025

'I've always focused on trying to be the best player I can be in all aspects of my game,' Lincoln-Sudbury senior
Kelsey Blanchette
said. 'I've never really thought about only doing one. I want to be able to do everything I can to help my team.'
L-S coach
Devan Rabidou
started coaching Blanchette in travel ball, at age 10. Even then, she could see the talent of a player who is now committed to the University of Massachusetts.
Advertisement
'When I got the L-S job, I knew she was a kid that would be coming through the pipeline,' said Rabidou, at the helm since 2019. 'Not only was I excited to start coaching L-S, but knowing [Blanchette] would be coming up was something that I was definitely excited about.'
Get Starting Point
A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday.
Enter Email
Sign Up
As a junior, Blanchette hit .429 with 28 RBIs while compiling a 2.30 earned run average with 103 strikeouts.
One of the biggest advantages to playing both sides of the ball is having a better understanding of both a hitter's and pitcher's tendencies, and taking advantage of that.
In a battle of two teams in the Globe Top 10 Monday afternoon, Blanchette and Bedford senior
Alyx Rossi
went toe-to-toe in both the circle and the box.
Advertisement
'Having that sort of competition in-league is great,' Rabidou said. 'It definitely helps [as a two-way player] to think about pitch sequence and how you want to attack the plate when you know the strategy from the other side of it. It can be a fun challenge.'
Blanchette roped a stand-up triple and eventually came across with the winning run for No. 10 Bedford in a 2-1 Dual County League victory.
Having the Boston College-bound Rossi lead the way has eased the burden on Bedford coach
Dennis Walsh
.
'I joke that I just sit on the bucket half the time, and just watch what they do. And that's not that far from the truth,' Walsh said.
The lefthanded Rossi has pitched her way to a 0.67 ERA with 63 strikeouts, along with a .688 batting average.
'Pitching-wise, I like being able to see where I like to see the ball pitched, and how umpires either favor a hitter or don't. If I was facing myself, could I see myself striking out?' Rossi said. '[And batting-wise], I'm constantly trying to see if I could hit myself. Just trying to envision myself on both sides of the field.'
'
'I'm constantly trying to see if I could hit myself. Just trying to envision myself on both sides of the field.'
Bedford pitcher Alyx Rossi
It's not a stretch to say that Bedford senior Alyx Rossi is an impact player in the circle and at the plate.
Matthew J. Lee/Globe Staff
However, struggles on one side have the potential to bleed into the other.
'If you're not perfect, I think they can be hard on themselves,' Walsh added. 'They're so good, usually. For the most part, they compartmentalize it well. But sometimes, when they know they're up against a lineup that's just as challenging, it's hard to keep the energy up the whole time.'
Emma Penniman
, the reigning Cape Ann Kinney co-MVP at Triton Regional, only committed to pitching and hitting her freshman year. The senior carried a 1.21 ERA and also hit .443 last season.
Advertisement
'Being a pitcher, I can tell what's coming at me when I'm in the box,' Penniman said. '[When I'm pitching to another two-way player], I just pretend they're the same as everyone else. I have the skill, they have the skill, we're both equal and I can do it too.'
Related
:
Having one player involved in all facets of the game provides off-field benefit, as well.
'The advantage of having a two-way player is generally they're the team leader,' said Triton coach
Alan Noyes
. 'They're the heart and soul. Those types of players are special.'
Noyes is lucky enough to have Penniman anchoring his lineup chart.
'It makes life very easy,' Noyes added. 'You throw her in the circle, you bat her in the heart of your order, and just watch her go.'
I want to be able to do everything I can to help my team.
Lincoln-Sudbury's Kelsey Blanchette trotted home with the first run in an eventual 2-1 victory over Bedford on Monday.
Matthew J. Lee/Globe Staff
Extra bases
▪ Armed with six seniors, Monomoy has marched out to a 6-0 mark.
The Sharks have shown bite, scoring 107 runs. In the heart of the lineup, batting fifth, is eighth-grade first baseman
Liv Sanford
.
'She's just roping the ball,' said Monomoy coach
Stacy Yarnall
. 'She's been making contact.'
Freshman
Kinsey Lister
has stepped up to command the ball, keeping the opposition at bay, with help of the excellent defense from junior shortstop
Kiley Mawn
.
The latest victory, a 10-8 barnburner over Wareham, showed a lot of resiliency. 'Those are the games that I love,' said Yarnall. 'We fought. We were down, 6-2.'
Related
:
▪ The focus of Tuesday's MIAA Softball Committee meeting, held virtually, was talk of a potential Super 8 tournament. The discussion about implementing a Division 1A tournament was met with pros and cons, with further debate to come in the future.
Advertisement
Venues for the state semifinals and championships have not been locked in. UMass Lowell and UMass Dartmouth, as with years past, could host semifinal action. Sortino Field at UMass Amherst, which has hosted all five divisions of state finals recently, does not have lights, which poses a problem.
'Having a venue that has lights is something that we want to add to not run into the daylight issue,' said MIAA associate director
Sherry Bryant
.
Games to watch
Friday, No. 9 Walpole at No. 3 Dighton-Rehoboth, 4 p.m.
— The defending Division 2 and 3 champions, respectively, go head-to-head.
Monday, No. 8 Bishop Feehan at No. 2 King Philip, 12 p.m.
— With no shortage of star power, Mylie Ramer and Maddie Coupal lead the Shamrocks against McCoy Walsh, Ali Gill, and King Philip.
Monday, No. 1 Taunton at Westfield, 1 p.m.
— The four-time defending Division 1 champs venture west up I-495 and on the Mass Pike to battle senior ace Shea Hurley and Westfield, a perennial powerhouse.
Monday, No. 17 Triton at Pentucket, 4 p.m.
— Two of the best teams in Cape Ann League test their mettle in an early season matchup that could impact the league title race.
Tuesday, No. 5 Silver Lake at No. 7 Central Catholic, 12 p.m.
— Programs with tremendous recent success lock horns, as Fairfield commits lock horns when Silver Lake's Delaney Moquin battles Olivia Moeckel and Central Catholic.
Correspondent Cam Kerry contributed.
Cam Kerry can be reached at

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

From Germany: United star's reunion with Ten Hag now deemed ‘feasible' as Leverkusen prepare formal approach
From Germany: United star's reunion with Ten Hag now deemed ‘feasible' as Leverkusen prepare formal approach

Yahoo

time5 hours ago

  • Yahoo

From Germany: United star's reunion with Ten Hag now deemed ‘feasible' as Leverkusen prepare formal approach

From Germany: United star's reunion with Ten Hag now deemed 'feasible' as Leverkusen prepare formal approach Manchester United fans – and likely those on the board – are hoping Erik ten Hag will replicate his notorious transfer approach of signing his former players now that he's at Bayer Leverkusen. In doing so, the Red Devils have the chance of recuperating funds that can then be used to sanction their own arrivals this summer. Advertisement The prospect is certainly alive too, with the ex-Red Devils boss already being tipped for a reunion with his former protégé, Antony, in Germany. Leverkusen shortlist Antony after Ten Hag's appointment Ten Hag has worked with Antony at both Ajax and United. (Photo by) Since Ten Hag was cherry-picked to succeed the Real Madrid-bound Xabi Alonso last month, Leverkusen have already brought in fellow SEG client Mark Flekken from Brentford, while they're reluctantly preparing for the impending departure of talisman Florian Wirtz to Liverpool. Should the deal get over the line as planned, the Bundesliga outfit will have upwards of £100 million to reinvest in Wirtz's replacement/s — and Antony is viewed as a potential candidate. Advertisement Surprisingly, so is his wantaway teammate Alejandro Garnacho. After it became public knowledge that he and United had decided to part ways this summer, Leverkusen were among a handful of clubs to have established their interest. Cut-price Antony viewed as a more 'feasible' target A fresh report from German outlet BILD this week has claimed that a move for Antony over his Argentine counterpart is deemed more 'feasible' due to their differing valuations; United were demanding a fee in excess of £60m to green-light Garnacho's exit when Napoli came knocking in the winter, while Antony, 25, could be available for around £35m. Antony's stellar efforts throughout his half-season loan spell with Real Betis certainly played into United's hands in terms of upping his price tag, although they still stand to make a substantial loss on the £86m they forked out for him in 2022. Advertisement More Stories / Latest News From Germany: United star's reunion with Ten Hag now deemed 'feasible' as Leverkusen prepare formal approach Jun 10 2025, 13:52 The Athletic: UCL finalists hold 'concrete interest' in Erik ten Hag signing, he's made his stance clear Jun 10 2025, 12:07 From Italy – Man Utd offer audacious swap deal for 'the best striker in the world' Jun 10 2025, 11:02

Manchester City's Jack Grealish hands Liverpool major boost in Florian Wirtz talks
Manchester City's Jack Grealish hands Liverpool major boost in Florian Wirtz talks

Yahoo

time5 hours ago

  • Yahoo

Manchester City's Jack Grealish hands Liverpool major boost in Florian Wirtz talks

Bayer Leverkusen manager Erik ten Hag has reportedly told club bosses he would love to sign Jack Grealish from Manchester City to replace Liverpool-bound Florian Wirtz. Wirtz has given the go-ahead to complete a sensational move to Anfield this summer as Liverpool remain in advanced negotiations with Bayer Leverkusen to work out details of an agreement that is likely to cost in excess of €130 million. Advertisement The 22-year-old has been one of the most sought-after players in Europe this summer, with the likes of Manchester City and Bayern Munich also holding a strong interest but eventually accepting defeat in their pursuit. City had identified Wirtz as their preferred replacement for the outgoing Kevin De Bruyne, who has reportedly agreed a two-year move to Napoli after being told by officials at the Etihad Stadium that he does not feature in their plans for the 2025/26 campaign. However, the Germany international has decided to move to Anfield and join forces with Arne Slot on Merseyside after a Premier League winning campaign for the Reds, who have also signed Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk to new two-year deals. Advertisement As for Bayer Leverkusen, they are resigned to losing Wirtz this summer as talks continue with Liverpool, which will leave a significant gap in the club's attacking positions but almost certainly be addressed when the transfer window reopens in mid-July. Now, according to a new report from The Sun, newly-appointed Bayer Leverkusen manager Erik ten Hag is a huge fan of Manchester City's Jack Grealish and has told club bosses he would love to bring the 29-year-old in to replace Florian Wirtz. City are believed to be demanding a fee in the region of £40-50 million for Grealish this summer and while a loan could also materialise, a permanent transfer is what the England international and the club would collectively prefer. Sources close to Grealish have revealed City's record signing is attracted by the prospect of playing abroad as he looks to revitalise his club and international career(s) ahead of what will be a crucial 2025/26 campaign by all accounts. Advertisement With Tottenham, Everton and Aston Villa also credited with an interest, Grealish knows he needs to be playing regularly for his club to be in contention for a recall to the England squad under Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel. Tuchel has made it clear that Grealish stands no chance to securing a seat on the plane to the 2026 FIFA World Cup if he will not play week-in, week-out for his club in the new season and that means the forward has a huge few months ahead to map out the next chapter. Grealish is understood to be preferring to stay in England and play in the UEFA Champions League as representatives work actively to find him a new club, but it remains to be seen whether a top Premier League side will look to place a bet on the Manchester City man.

Finally healthy, Kentucky recruit Nolan Ramoley legs out triple as Brother Rice downs Providence. ‘Pretty cool.'
Finally healthy, Kentucky recruit Nolan Ramoley legs out triple as Brother Rice downs Providence. ‘Pretty cool.'

Chicago Tribune

time13 hours ago

  • Chicago Tribune

Finally healthy, Kentucky recruit Nolan Ramoley legs out triple as Brother Rice downs Providence. ‘Pretty cool.'

A leg injury forced Nolan Ramoley to have surgery in October. The junior outfielder recovered quicker than expected, making it back for the start of the season for Brother Rice. But he hadn't quite felt like himself. Spending most of the early part of the spring as the team's designated hitter, the leg was still slowing him down a bit. With a trip to state on the line, however, Ramoley was ready Monday night. Legging out a triple. Beating out an infield single. Making big plays in center field. What injury? 'It was pretty cool,' Ramoley said. 'Running for that triple, I feel like I got all my speed back there. It feels good to be back from injury and be able to produce runs for my team. 'I haven't had a game until this one where I really felt 100%.' Ramoley, a Kentucky recruit, went 2-for-4, drove in a run and scored another as the Crusaders knocked off defending state champion Providence for an 8-5 win in the Class 4A Crestwood Supersectional at Ozinga Field. Eastern Michigan commit Aidan Nohava finished 3-for-4 with a triple, two RBIs and a run for Brother Rice (37-3), while Gavin Stanislawski went 2-for-3 with an RBI. Brady Cunningham allowed three earned runs over 4 2/3 innings for the win and Illinois State-bound Jackson Natanek earned the save. The Crusaders clinched the program's sixth state trophy and will play at state for the third time in four years starting at 7 p.m. Friday with a semifinal against McHenry (33-4-1). 'This is an unreal feeling,' Nohava said. 'I've been here before my sophomore year and it's the same goosebumps I got then again, but there's a different feeling because I'm a senior.' SIU-Edwardsville recruit Cooper Eggert went 2-for-4 with three RBIs to lead Providence (27-13). Cincinnati commit Enzo Infelise ended up 2-for-3 with a solo homer and a double, while Minnesota recruit Nate O'Donnell went 3-for-4 with two runs and an RBI. O'Donnell also pitched five innings, allowing four earned runs. But Ramoley's RBI triple in the fifth inning broke a 3-3 tie and put the Crusaders ahead for good. It was the kind of moment Ramoley has been working toward the last several months, making all the rehab worth it. 'I'm still going to physical therapy once a week,' Ramoley said. 'Earlier in the year, I was going three times a week. It's definitely been a grind and it's taken a long time for my speed to come back, so it's just been patience.' Brother Rice coach Sean McBride felt Ramoley was holding back a bit when a blooper fell in front of him for a base hit in the second inning. He tried to fire him up. 'I said, 'Look, Nolan, you've got to play aggressive. I'm not mad at you, but you have to let that athleticism show,'' McBride said. 'I just wanted to challenge him to kind of let it loose. I feel like at times he's a little tentative. 'But, man, that was a big hit. He really let it loose there.' The Crusaders added three runs in the seventh to take an 8-3 lead. The Celtics did not go down easily, though, scoring twice in the bottom of the inning before Natanek got a double play to end it. That brought on the celebration. Brother Rice is going back to state and Ramoley is back. 'I guarantee I'm as excited as his parents are to watch him play like that again,' Nohava said of Ramoley. 'We're all a close, tight-knit family, so any time a guy like that comes back from a big injury and gets it done for us in a big game like this, I can see the whole team is super happy for him.'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store