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Marblehead Softball Preview

Last year's record: 16-4

Coach: Johnny Gold (3rd season)

Returning players: Ashley White, Sr., 3B; Kate Fallon, Jr., SS; Grace Quigley, Jr., 2B/OF; Laura Kanarski, Sr., 1B; Sam Norman, Jr., LF; Mandy James, Sr., CF (NEC all star); Silvie Cohen, So, RF; Liz Whitehill, Jr., 2B/C; Hannah Pelkey, Jr., C; Courtney Colantuno, Sr., P.

Strengths: There are many, including eight returning starters. Colantuno was the Northeastern Conference Pitcher of the Year and the Salem News Player of the Year and she's an outstanding offensive player, too. White was an NEC all-star and Fallon was a Salem News All-Star. The team is loaded with solid, experienced players and has the confidence of a winner. Newcomers battling for playing time are junior infielder Izzy Katzman, sophomore infielder/outfielder Stephanie Lyons and junior pitcher/outfielder Stephanie Brooks.

Concerns: Coach Gold says his team has to understand that last year is over with and that it can't just sit back and think the wins will come easily. The Magicians are now seen in a different light and will have to play even harder this season.

Coach's outlook: "We set goals. We want to repeat as (NEC South) champs and win more games in the state tourney. We want to approach every game singly and do our very best."