Scarlet Hawks seek postseason as former coach returns

There are no nights off for the Milford High School softball team this spring. In addition to playing in the gauntlet that is the Hockomock League, the Scarlet Hawks have to contend with top tier non-league teams like Shrewsbury and Hopedale.

Midway through the season, MHS had earned a top-20 ranking in the state despite a record hovering around .500; and head coach Brian Macchi said it is a “testament to how competitive the schedule is.”

“We are playing top teams every time,” Macchi said. “It’s a good chance for the girls to compete and it makes it that much more fun and gratifying when you win, because you know you accomplished something special.”

Five seniors are leading the way as captains for MHS this spring. Ava Baglione is the team’s shortstop, Angelina Bonina starts at first base, Katelyn Kearnan is in right field, Isabella Loscerbo handles the catching duties, and Lucia Testa has played a variety of roles.

“The seniors have all been great,” Macchi said. “They came in with great energy.”

Macchi, who returned to the program he used to lead after a hiatus of more than a decade, credited the seniors for helping Milford bounce back after a four-game losing streak. The Scarlet Hawks went on to win four of their next six games.

“We kept it together,” he said. “It was a testament to their leadership.”

Freshman Liana Chiccarelli, who plays third base, is a driving force in the MHS lineup. She had two home runs and more than 10 RBIs by the midway point of the schedule. Macchi started off the year hitting her seventh in the order, but she moved up to the number three spot as she continued to produce.

Milford relies on a rotation of three sophomores in the pitching circle, with Lauren Williams, Avery Macchi, and Brooke Stokes all earning innings.

“Everyone gets a chance to prove themselves,” Macchi said of his pitching staff. “Some days, one will start and the other two are ready to go in relief.”

Macchi said he will likely go with the “hot hand” in the circle once the state tournament begins. He wants to see his team finish with at least a .500 record and earn at least one victory in the playoffs.

“We are resetting and refocusing on the second half of the year,” Macchi said. “Getting to the playoffs and finding a way to win a game would be important for the seniors and for our underclassmen. I think it would be special for them to do that.”