RHS Patriots Spring Sports Roundup: Softball sets tone, track team eyes another strong season

By Dom Nicastro

Revere High School Spring teams are gearing up for the start of the 2026 season, with softball leading the way behind an experienced core, baseball riding a returner who will be the ace and the girls track program looking to build on last year’s undefeated league championship run.

With opening games on the horizon, both programs are leaning on veteran leadership while integrating younger talent as the Patriots prepare for another competitive spring in the Greater Boston League.

Softball looks to build on tournament season behind veteran core

Revere softball enters the new season with high expectations after a 13-8 campaign last year that included a tournament appearance, and much of that optimism centers around a strong senior class led by captains Danni Hope Randall, Frankie Reed and Shayna Smith.

“This year RHS girls softball is looking to kick off the season on a high note with seniors captains Danni Hope Randall, Frankie Reed and Shayna Smith leading the way this year; the senior leadership is going to carry us to a successful season,” coach Megan O’Donnell said.

Last season proved to be a roller coaster for the Patriots, who battled through a low roster number but consistently found ways to respond when needed.

Much of that success was driven by a core group that returns this spring. Randall was dominant in the circle, finishing with 170 strikeouts while pitching in nearly every game and keeping the Patriots competitive throughout the season. Behind the plate, Smith was equally impactful, controlling the game defensively with 11 runners caught stealing while also producing at the plate.

Offensively, Reed helped set the tone as one of the team’s top hitters, joined by Caleigh Joyce and Jordan Martelli among the leaders in batting average and run production. Joyce also proved to be one of the team’s most versatile players, contributing across multiple positions and stepping into the pitching circle when needed, while Anna Doucette anchored the infield at shortstop and earned praise from opposing coaches for her defensive play.

Revere also received key contributions from younger players last season, including Zizi Kalliavas, whose speed and situational hitting — including a game-winning bunt against Lynn Classical — helped spark key wins. Michelle Pineda also delivered timely hits in multiple victories, showing the depth the Patriots were able to develop despite roster challenges.

This spring, that experience is expected to pay off. With Randall, Reed and Smith leading the way, along with returning contributors Joyce and Doucette, the Patriots are aiming to build on last year’s foundation while improving consistency and accountability.

Revere will also look to its younger players for added depth, with five freshmen and four eighth graders competing for playing time as the season gets underway.

The Patriots were set to open the season Wednesday, April 1, against Minuteman Tech before beginning league play April 6 against Lynn Classical and April 8 against Everett.

Revere baseball returns experienced core, builds around ace Domenic Bellia

Revere High School baseball enters the 2026 season with a blend of veteran leadership and versatile contributors, giving the Patriots a foundation to compete in what should be a tightly contested Greater Boston League race.

At the center of it all is senior Domenic Bellia, a GBL All-Star and one of the league’s top two-way players. Bellia delivered a dominant junior campaign, hitting .396 with a .463 on-base percentage and .500 slugging while also serving as the staff ace. On the mound, he struck out 55 batters over 42.1 innings with a 1.32 ERA, anchoring the rotation while also providing stability at shortstop.

Junior George Papalambros is another key returner expected to take a major step forward. The right-hander logged 28.1 innings with 29 strikeouts last season and contributed offensively with a .365 on-base percentage, giving Revere another reliable two-way option.

Versatility is a defining trait of this year’s roster. Junior captain Joseph Angiulo shifts from center field to the left side of the infield while also expanding his role on the mound, while Sergio Peguero transitions from the outfield to second base and adds depth to the pitching staff.

Behind the plate, senior Frank Annunziata provides toughness and leadership as the returning starting catcher, guiding what projects to be one of the team’s strengths — its pitching.

In the outfield, senior Nicholas Rupp returns as a steady presence, and sophomore Thomas Waldron looks poised to take on a larger role both defensively and on the mound.

Revere, which finished 6-11 last season, is counting on its experience and starting pitching to set the tone while continuing to improve at the plate and limit strikeouts.

With a small but focused roster of 12 players, the Patriots will rely on flexibility and execution as they look to make a push in the GBL.

“The GBL should be competitive this year, and we’re looking forward to competing for a chance at a league title and state tournament berth,” coach Sebastian Salvo said.

Girls track looks to defend league title with deep, experienced roster

Revere’s girls outdoor track team enters the season with momentum after going 7-0 in the Greater Boston League last year, and the Patriots bring back a deep roster of 51 athletes led by an experienced group of captains.

Gemma Stamatopoulos and Olivia Rupp headline a strong mid-distance and distance group, expected to be among the top performers in the league in events from the 800 meters and up. The hurdling group also stands out, with Stamatopoulos joined by Dayana Ortega, Basma Sahibi and Kesley Morales as key contributors in both the 100- and 400-meter hurdles.

In the sprint events, captains Rania Hamdani, Jaliyah Manigo and Lesly Mendoza are expected to set the tone, while the team continues to develop in the throwing events, where improved form and strength have been points of emphasis following the indoor season.

Revere faces strong competition across the league, particularly from programs such as Chelsea, Somerville and Medford, but the Patriots’ depth and experience position them well for another competitive season.

“Based on what we saw in the indoor season, the GBL track teams are continuing to grow and develop,” Revere coach Racquel MacDonald-Ciambelli said. “Teams like Chelsea, Somerville, and Medford give the RHS girls some excellent competition in the distance and jumps events so we are excited to see them in action.”

Boys volleyball sweeps Essex Tech behind balanced attack

Revere’s boys volleyball team opened the season with a strong showing, defeating Essex Tech in straight sets, 3-0, behind a balanced offensive effort.

Chris “Choc” Chavez helped direct the offense with 16 assists, keeping the Patriots in rhythm throughout the match. Isaac Portillo contributed across the board with seven kills and 10 assists, while Juan Perez added seven kills to help power the attack at the net.