Beavers putting emphasis on fun as 2026 season unfolds

The Blackstone Valley Tech softball team entered the 2026 season looking to turn things around after a disappointing four-win campaign a season ago, and head coach Joe Verdini said they have been able to do that by focusing on enjoying the sport.

“It’s been a lot of fun and, even in defeat, they are taking things in stride,” Verdini said. “We have several come-from-behind wins, so the kids have been gutting it out and playing well, even in the losses.”

BVT hit the midway point of the season with a 6-4 record, already eclipsing the win total from last year. Under their first-year head coach, the Beavers won three of their first four games in the conference.

Verdini gives much of the credit to his three captains, calling them among the top players in the area. Brook Gniadek, a Division I college prospect heading to New Haven, is a key cog for this year’s team.

“She has been a staple for the past four years, and I am lucky enough to get to coach her for her final season,” Verdini said. “She is a dynamic hitter and she also pitches, she’s just been fantastic.”

Fellow captain Ella Foster is another skilled infielder who may continue her softball career in college, Verdini said, adding that he is familiar with her game from her time with a travel softball club.

Rounding out the captains is Olivia Hall, who handles most of the team’s catching duties and is also planning to play softball in college.

“They have all been standouts,” Verdini said. “It’s been helpful to walk into a program with such a good backbone.”

Verdini said he came into the season with about a dozen different boxes he hoped to check. Among them are getting to a double-digit win total, earning a spot in the state tournament, and (especially) hosting a tournament game.

“That is one of our biggest goals, to host one here in Upton,” he said. “We believe we have a shot if we can continue fighting and grinding out these games.”

Valley Tech has a tough schedule, but the way the team has responded to the challenge is encouraging for the first-year coach.

“We play a lot of good softball teams and, coming in, I thought it was going to be a daunting task,” Verdini said. “But the kids have bought into the whole program.”

Olivia Hall will continue her softball career at Barry University in Florida. Courtesy photo