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Deep roster returns for Nipmuc softball Warriors have Central Mass. title in sight

Kate Julian delivers a pitch during a game last season. Courtesy photo

Warriors have Central Mass. title in sight
By Chris Villani
Sports Writer
Nipmuc’s softball team is back on the field this spring and looking to build on a strong 2022 campaign that saw the Warriors advance to the finals of the Central Mass. tournament and get knocked out of the state tournament by the eventual champions.
“It was a good season,” said head coach Stephanie DeBaggis. “I don’t think people expected a lot and we were just hoping to be able to do some good things.”
Nipmuc returns four seniors this year, two in the infield and two more outfielders. The Warriors also have three pitchers to choose from, giving DeBaggis the ability to ride a hot hand or give everyone a chance in the circle. Hers is an experienced group.
“Most of the team has been playing together since they were young,” she said.
Nipmuc will be led by seniors Ella Fernald, Kara Johnson, Allyson Lukasek, and Liana Patrick, an experienced group that is expected to lead the way on and off the diamond.
The Warriors also return juniors Janelle Scirocco, Kate Julian, and Ella Calvey, all of whom saw time pitching a season ago.
“Last year, everyone got a start and we wanted to see how it went and what kind of momentum we could build from there,” DeBaggis said.
Sophomore Keegan Kelley is back and had some big at bats during her freshman year. Sera DeBaggis, a junior, is a returning catcher who can also play the infield and Bridget Klupa and Isabelle Nicholson, both sophomores, will split time between the infield and the outfield.
Nipmuc also has a strong freshman class and DeBaggis said several players may go back and forth between the varsity and JV teams once the season begins.
DeBaggis said the biggest team goal for Nipmuc this year: do not beat ourselves.
“If we lose a game and it’s a good game and we are in it, we are good with that,” the coach said. “We don’t want to make the mental mistakes and not execute the way we are capable.”
Nipmuc will be taking a traditional “one game at a time” approach.
“I know we would love to be in the postseason again and make a deep run,” DeBaggis said. “But we gotta play the games first."