Head coach: Chris Luppe (17th season).
Assistant coaches: Tony Walsh, Josh Arnold, Craig D’Ortona, Miranda Carreiro, Samantha Money.
Last season: Westerly finished 13-10 overall and 12-4 in Division II. The Bulldogs won its opening state tournament game over Johnston before falling to East Greenwich and Woonsocket in the double-elimination tourney.
Returning to varsity:
Seniors: Sophia Valentini (P, captain), Emma Caracciolo (1B, captain), Lilly Vetelino (2B, captain), Alex Stoehr (SS, captain), Maya Henderson (CF), captain).
Juniors: Bella Austin (3B), Tori Gabriele (LF), Ava D’Ortana (RF), Sara Arnold (1B-OF).
Sophomores: Ella Keegan (C), Abi Emery (OF), Dacia Gingerella (SS/OF), Bella Mazzarese (3B), Lyla Auth (P/OF).
New to varsity:
Junior: Caelyn Torrez (C-OF)
Outlook: The Bulldogs have a lot of talent and experience back for the veteran head coach.
Stoehr (.309, 25 hits, 22 runs, 14 stolen bases) provides the spark at the top of the order and received Division II first-team honors last season.
Luppe, in last season’s postseason wrap, said the Stoehr is “a classic leadoff hitter who makes contact and speed to get on base.”
Valentini, a second-team Division II selection, is the ace in the circle. Last year she had six games where she heled opponents to one run or less. At the plate, Valentini hit .298 with 19 RBI.
Caraciollo (.330, 2 HR’s, 20 RBI) also received second-team honors as a junior.
Coach’s take: “With a lot of returning players, we’re looking to finish near the top of Division II and make a run at the title.”
— Rich Zalusky
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