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Winning that first game of the year is always a priority for any team, and Winchester High softball did just that, beating non-league Cambridge at Ciarcia Field, 12-3 on March 30.
Freshman pitcher Harper McDaniels threw five solid innings, striking out 11 to secure the win over the Falcons. She allowed just two earned runs. Sophomore Gabby Katz went a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate to pace the offensive attack.
Last year, the Red & Black ended up 8-12, but still had some big wins over some of the Middlesex League powerhouses, including a walk-off win at home under the lights against rival Woburn.
But Coach Jason Capodannonon admits their non-league schedule was somewhat on the weaker side, which hurt in the power rankings.
“This year, however, we have adjusted it to play (stronger) teams like Central Catholic (April 4) and Maynard (April 17),” he said.
All-League senior catcher Tessa Capodanno, bound for Trinity College next fall, her classmate Gwen Gaiko, the team’s right-fielder, and junior centerfielder Ella Centurelli, who made the all-star team one year ago, are this year’s captains.
“Our leadership is outstanding on and off the field,” said Capodanno. “All three players have created a culture of respect and enjoyment. But that leadership does not just stop with our captains. Junior shortstop Carys Gugliotta is as smart of a softball player as I have ever coached, while senior Nora Harstad leaves it all on the turf. Off the field, Nora is also someone that her teammates want to hang out with, (particularly) our freshmen and sophomores, who look up to her, because of the way she acts (all the time).”
On March 16, Capodanno welcomed his largest turnout of players to tryouts in his four years here as a varsity coach.
“We had 31 (suit up), and that will (help) fill out our JV and varsity teams nicely,” the coach said.
Capodanno credits the continued hard work of the town’s youth program for the sport’s revitalization, while adding that the numbers are continuing to rise on that level. They are approaching 200 overall.
“Excitement (in softball) is growing in town, and I love seeing it now in the high school program,” said Capodanno, who says that the strength of the team starts behind the plate with his daughter Tessa, followed close behind by the outfielders.
“I believe we have one of the best outfields in the Middlesex League,” added the veteran coach. “Led by our two captains Ella and Gwen, combined with sophomore Anna D’Antonio in left, they were absolutely a force to be reckoned with last year. And now having all three of them back, it should give our pitchers so much more confidence.”
Capodanno also praised their backups Mia Stuart, Evy Scott and Katz.
“They would have definitely competed for starting jobs on plenty of other Middlesex League teams this year,” he said.
But with all of that said, his biggest surprise to date has been Katz.
“Gabby is a kid who just loves softball, but unfortunately four weeks before the start of spring practice last year, she tore her ACL and MCL. She (diligently) rehabbed it over the last 13 months to put herself in a position to compete for a spot on this year’s varsity team, and as a result, she’s now our starting designated hitter,” the coach said.
Capodanno expects the team to battle throughout the next three months.
“We will have a very good hitting team, led once again by Tessa, who is closing in on 100 career hits,” he said. “Juniors Gugliotta and Centurelli, and sophomore Anna D’Antonio will also be threats in the lineup. Coupled that with our superb speed from the likes of Stuart, Scott, Gaiko and Harstad, we will put a lot of pressure on opposing pitchers and defenses. We also have depth in the circle with freshman Harper McDaniels and junior Hanna Chan-MacRae.”
Prior to the season-opening win over Cambridge, the Winchester girls completed the scrimmage season with a 2-2-1 record, despite the cold temperatures. Both wins were against Saugus and Bedford, two perennially tournament-tested teams.
“Those (wins) were supported by some strong hitting and the clutch pitching of Hanna and Harper,” said Capodanno.
There’s cause for optimism, because of the team’s six returning veterans, starting with Tessa Capodanno behind the plate. There is also senior third baseman Nora Harstad, junior shortstop Carys Gugliotta and all three aforementioned outfielders.
“We have a battle going on right now with freshman Katerine Lisy and junior Gabi Rocchi at first base,” said Capodanno.
The overall current varsity roster is a good mix across the board that includes four seniors and four juniors to go along with three sophomores and three freshmen.
Capodanno expects that the Middlesex League is going to be “very strong” this year, with the usual powerhouses like Reading, Woburn and Wakefield leading the way.
“Our toughest (opponent) will most likely be non-league powerhouse Central Catholic (April 4, 11:30 a.m. at home). They are a Top 5 team in the state this year,” said the coach.
That showdown follows the home game against Waltham, another non-league team, on April 1.
Joe McConnell is a longtime, award-winning sports editor for numerous North Shore publications. He began covering Winchester sports for the News in November 2024 and is currently its Sports Editor. He can be reached at editor@winchesternews.org.
