Solid chemistry key ingredient for Falcons

Courtesy of Matt Stewart - Sentinel & Enterprise

FITCHBURG -- This is the fourth year of the Merry MacDonald regime at Fitchburg State University and two themes surround the Falcons' softball team: a large contingent of freshman players and an atmosphere the squad hopes is conducive to winning games.

"Our goal is to win the conference, and we've come close in past years," MacDonald said. "I think this year is a different group in terms of the chemistry, drive and passion for the game, so I think we're going to have different results than we've seen in the past.

"This has been my most fun year coaching so far, just because of the atmosphere and desire from these girls is different than I've had here before. It being my fourth year, these are all my players and have bought into the culture and family atmosphere here."

Youth will benefit the team this season, as 12 freshmen have joined the ranks.

"Our season is going to be determined by how quickly these freshmen can get acclimated with the college game," said MacDonald, the team's head coach. "With so many freshmen, a lot of them will be starters, so we need them to step up and make that transition as quickly as possible.

"This group is a great group and has shown in our fall season and preseason that they are ready for college, have the right attitude and click together and mesh with the upperclassmen."

Junior Galen Kerr returns to the circle after logging quality minutes last season in her first year at the school. Kerr boasted a 7-7 record with a 3.45 ERA.

One of her favorite methods for getting people out was the strikeout, as she averaged 6.57 per game. Kerr, however, also has confidence in the defense behind her to do the job.

Kerr ascends to a more prominent role with the graduation of Brittany Whiting, but will share time with incoming freshman pitcher Kaylee Sylvestre, who led her St. Raphael team to the Division 2 Rhode Island championship last year.

"Kerr split a lot of time with Whiting last year," MacDonald said. "(Kerr) was a transfer from Wheaton College, and coming into here was a big transition last year. This year she's going to be one of our top starters, and we're expecting good things from her."

While defense may be the strength of the team, one of the better defensive players also happens to be one of the team's best offensive weapons.

Leominster High graduate Marissa Gemma has been a standout at shortstop and has been a mainstay in the starting lineup throughout the past three seasons. Gemma had a breakout sophomore year offensively in 2014, batting .340 and garnering all-conference second-team honors. Last season, Gemma got even better, hitting .352 out of the leadoff spot.

"We have a very young team," Gemma said. "Half of the team is coming in new. I think that this team jells really well, so there's not a lot of pressure. There's a little bit of passing on the torch, where I want the girls in my position to be the best that they can be, and I want to give them everything I learned over the years."

Emily Comtois returns for her sophomore season after posting a .286 batting average with nine RBIs last year.

Junior Jessalynne Brown, who plays third base, returns as the leading run producer, driving in 15 runs last season and batting .253 with two homers.

The left side of the infield is a strength defensively and veteran laden. In addition to Brown, captain Tori Cyrus plays the hot corner.

"I play with Brown on the left side," Gemma said. "We know each other well and know our ranges. There's a lot of chemistry and you feed off of each other."

Defense is the key, especially with a young team developing its bats and adjusting to the speed of college pitching.

"Our mentality is nothing is going to get through the infield without someone diving for it," MacDonald said. "The same thing for the outfield, nothing is going to hit the ground without two girls going for it. Defense is about hustle and desire, and what I preach to them is that doesn't take talent. So far our defense has stepped up more than it has in previous seasons."

The non-conference schedule will not be easy, as the Falcons open the season with a 10-game trip to Florida, starting March 13. Highlights include the season opener against Smith College as well as games against perennial power the College of New Jersey, Babson and Endicott College.

"We're definitely not going to take any game for granted on our Florida trip," MacDonald said. "It'll prepare us for the conference schedule when we get back."