RallyNorth.net

North Reading Softball Preview

2007 record: 21-5, Division 3 state champions

Returning starters (7): Caroline Gattuso, Sr., P; Mikaela Carney, Jr., C/DH; Ali Maltacea, Sr., 2B; Amanda Poplaski, Sr., CF; Jenn Shields, Soph, 3B; Alex Moise, Soph., 1B; Kristen Giddings, Jr., RF

Returning lettermen: Brianna Cincotta, Sr., OF; Brittni Coppola, Jr., OF; Caitlin Reilly, Jr., utility; Amanda Soucy, Jr., INF; Casey Chapman, Soph., P

Promising newcomers: Kristen Morrison, Frosh., INF; Danielle Rogers, Sr., INF

Candidates in all grades: 42

Captains: Caroline Gattuso, Ali Maltacea, Amanda Poplaski

Returning leaders: Amanda Poplaski .511, 33 runs; Caroline Gattuso 18-5, 0.58 ERA, 232 strikeouts in 157 innings

Returning honorees: Amanda Poplaski, Caroline Gattuso Eagle-Tribune All-Stars

Assistants: Nicole Zimmerman, JV; Michelle Frongillo, Frosh.

Opener: Hosts Billerica April 9

Odds and ends: The Hornets have to replace UMass Amherst's Stephanie Mayne, a two-time All-Scholastic power hitter who was a four-year starter at catcher. ... Mikaela Carney, a junior who has already played in 12 postseason games, moves in from the outfield and will take over behind the plate. ... The shortstop position is up for grabs with Jenn Shields, Alex Moise, Kristen Giddings and Kristen Morrison among the candidates. Morrison is a promising freshman who coach Rusty Russell compares to Mayne in her rookie year. ... Sophomore Casey Chapman is being groomed as Gattuso's successor and will get time on the mound.

Coach Rusty Russell (23rd year, 347-151): "I'm very excited about the season. We lost two excellent players (Stephanie Mayne and Jessica Scioli), but it's a real luxury when you return 12 players and seven starters. Plus, we think we have people who can fill the holes and we have a lot of competition at positions. That can only make you better."