The Johnston High School softball team encountered some struggles last season, concluding the spring with a record of 3-13, but head coach Steve Day and the Lady Panthers are hoping for a significant bounce-back season.
Johnston has already shown some positive signs of better things to come early on this season, breezing past Central, 23-4, before playing one of the top teams in the league, North Providence, to a 4-1 loss. After the pair of games, the Lady Panthers sit at 1-1 in D-II-West.
“We have a good squad this season,” Day said. “We’re hoping to make the playoffs. The returning girls now know what to expect.”
Johnston is feeling confident because of a group of returning players that will provide a great deal of experience.
Pacing the Lady Panthers in the circle will be senior captain Alicia Carvalho, who has several innings under her belt.
Taking on the catching duties behind the plate will be sophomore Gianna Vizzacco.
Two other captains – juniors Jennifer Cioffi and Jordan McHale – will patrol the left side of the infield, with Cioffi starting at shortstop and McHale at third.
On the right side, Haley Hohlmaier will start at first, while freshman Lauren Civetti will get the starting nod at second.
In the outfield, Jordan Moretti, a freshman, will start in left, while junior Kat Athaide will play centerfield and a platoon of Lauren Messier and Mackenzie Plouffe – a pair of juniors – will share time in right field.
Day will use senior Emely Rodriguez as the team’s designated hitter this season and will rely on her to lead the offensive charge.
So far, she hasn’t disappointed, compiling a .667 average through the first two games, with eight runs batted in and two triples.
Two other players who could find themselves in the lineup are Madison Plouffe and Mia Quirini.
Johnston has a deep roster this season and Day acknowledged the fact that he isn’t afraid to utilize everyone that he has.
“I’ll use whoever’s playing well – as a pinch hitter or pinch runner,” Day said. “I’m going to utilize our roster.”
It’s tough to gauge where Johnston is at in relation to the field because, due to realignment, it hasn’t seen some of the teams in the league.
But, early on, the Lady Panthers are feeling confident and feel that they can compete in a big way.
The Lady Panthers were looking to move above .500 on Wednesday, as they were set to play at Classical, but results were unavailable at press time.
With this year’s roster, a significant turnaround may be in order for the Johnston softball program.
“We’re feeling pretty confident – we’re better than last year,” Day said. “We want to get to the top of the division. Our goal is to win every game. We’re looking to get to the playoffs, then take it one game at a time.”
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