RallyNorth.net

Gloucester captains carrying offensive load

Tuesday, April, 29 By Nick Curcuru
Staff writer

The 2008 Gloucester softball team has undoubtedly been lead by its offense.

The Fishermen have averaged close to nine runs per game, and are running opposing outfielders ragged with constant shots deep in the outfield.

When looking for an offensive catalyst on the team, look no further than the duo of Olivia Frontiero and Ali Kippen. Gloucester's co-captains have been a force in the middle of the lineup, and have left Northeastern Conference pitchers scrambling to find ways to get them out.

The duo's offensive heroics have the Fishermen in good shape to get back to the state tournament thanks to a 5-3 start. Head coach Julie Ferguson is singing their praises.

"They are the strongest three and four combination in the conference," Ferguson said. "They are a deadly combination, scary to opposing pitchers."

Kippen and Frontiero, a senior and junior respectively, have also delivered late-game heroics for the Fishermen. In a victory over Winthrop earlier in the season, Frontiero's 11th inning two-run double put the Fishermen on top for good. Kippen would also deliver in that game, hitting a 10th inning home run and driving in Frontiero in the 11th to give Gloucester insurance.

Kippen and Frontiero have been the centerpiece of a number of Gloucester's big rallies this year, and their success has rubbed off on the rest of the team.

"Ali and I have been getting a lot of rallies started," Frontiero said. "It's been huge because it really gets the team fired up. Everybody on this team has been doing their part and because of that we have a great offense."

After a frustrating 5-15 campaign last spring, the duo is looking to do all they can to get Gloucester back on the winning track.

"We have been trying to contribute any way we can after such a tough year last year," Kippen said. "And it's been working, we're both off to good starts."

Kippen, Frontiero and Ferguson could all pin-point the secret to the duo's success | hard work. Besides their obvious talent, the Gloucester co-captains have been working really hard in both the offseason and in practice.

"They are two of the hardest workers on the team," Ferguson said. "You can count on them to show up everyday and give 100 percent, and that rubs off on their teammates."

Frontiero, an NEC All-Star catcher in 2007, possesses one of the sweetest swings you will see on the softball diamond. The junior catcher brings a blend of hitting for average and power, as well as, an aggressive approach on the base paths.

According to Frontiero, her success at the plate comes from her focus.

"I like to study the pitcher, and it starts in the on-deck circle," Frontiero said. "If I know what she is throwing and how she is throwing, I have a better shot at getting a hit."

Frontiero is also a leader on the field. In Friday's upset win over Danvers, the Fishermen defense started to get a little sloppy. Without hesitation, Frontiero called in the infield for a conference to calm them down. Sure enough, the Fishermen got back on track and were able to get out of the jam.

"As a catcher you have to be a leader on the field," Ferguson said. "And Olivia has no problem taking on that role, she isn't in your face or outspoken, but she says the right things at the right times."

Kippen brings a rock solid, consistent bat to the middle of the Fishermen offense. Hitting in the cleanup spot, Kippen hits for both average and power and is very tough to strike out. The senior first baseman also brings power to all fields, and when she gets a hold of the ball, she usually sends outfielders sprinting deep into the outfield.

Despite her power, Kippen's approach at the plate is fairly simple.

"I'm just looking to get a base hit," Kippen said. "It doesn't matter how far it goes, I'm happy if I get on base."

Kippen also possesses stellar defense. The senior co-captain has a slick glove and can scoop a low throw or reach for a high throw.

"She saves us runs with her defense," Ferguson said of Kippen. "A good defensive first baseman is very important, and she is one of the best in the conference."

All in all, Kippen and Frontiero are happy to be contributing to the Fishermen's strong start, and they are happy that their offensive production has helped the team win games.

"It's been huge," Kippen said of her and Frontiero's offensive production. "We are winning a lot more games this year, that makes everybody happy."