Team chemistry and selfless play define Revere softball’s winning strategy

By Dom Nicastro

 

As we delve into the heart of the spring season, the Revere High School softball team stands out with an impressive 9-2 record.

Under the guidance of Coach Megan O’Donnell, the team has showcased resilience, skill and a relentless drive to win, highlighted by its recent thrilling come-from-behind victory against Saugus.

The Revere Comeback Kids team’s spirit was epitomized in a nail-biting game where they overturned a daunting deficit to clinch a 15-14 win over Saugus at home, thanks to a walk-off hit by Brianna Miranda.

“We were down but not out. Our girls battled back with heart, and Brianna stepped up when it mattered most,” said Coach O’Donnell, reflecting on the game’s intensity and the icy conditions that evening. “We were down 9-1, and then we went down 13-5, and we battled back and came back with a walk-off hit from Brianna Miranda in the seventh inning to win 15-14. Honestly, we could have been down 15-0, and my confidence in our girls as a hitting team … we would have no doubt we would score 15, too. They definitely take hitting seriously.”

This victory not only demonstrated their tenacity but also solidified their reputation as a formidable competitor in the league.

Revere had a big game scheduled for Wednesday, May 1 (after press deadline) with Medford, who was leading the Greater Boston League ahead of the Patriots. The Mustangs beat the Patriots earlier in the season, but O’Donnell said the team has improved greatly since and was ready for the big-league battle.

This season has been notable for strategic ingenuity and the emergence of new and existing talent.

Freshman pitcher Gianna Chiodi, despite initial challenges, displayed remarkable composure and skill in the game against Saugus. She started and was relieved by regular ace Danni Randall, who recorded her 200^th career strikeout; she’s just a sophomore.

“We started a freshman pitcher with Gianna, and she held her own. She battled,” O’Donnell said. “The conditions were freezing out; it’s definitely not spring weather, but she bore down, and she battled.”

The team has also benefitted from a deep lineup where multiple players have been hitting over .600, a testament to their offensive strength.

“Our lineup is deep, and everyone is hitting with confidence,” O’Donnell said of the team’s offensive prowess.

A key element of Revere’s success is the strong team chemistry and morale. Players are described as playing “selfless softball,” a mindset that fosters mutual support and enhances collective performance, according to O’Donnell. This environment allows players to thrive and contribute significantly, as evidenced by the entire lineup consistently making impactful plays.

With just a few weeks left in the season, the Patriots are not just chasing a league title; they are setting new standards for excellence and teamwork.

“Every game, every inning, and every pitch counts,” Coach O’Donnell said. “We stay focused on the present, supporting one another and playing selfless softball.”

 

Revere individual-hitting leaders with more than 20 at-bats after 11 games

 

Lea Doucette

Batting Average: .658

Hits: 25 out of 38 at-bats

Home Runs: 3

Runs Batted In (RBIs): 18

Stolen Bases: 17

Slugging Percentage: 1.026

Lea Doucette has been a powerhouse at the plate, leading the team with a batting average of .658 and a slugging percentage over 1.000. Her ability to drive in runs and score herself has been pivotal to the team’s success.

 

Ally Straccia

Batting Average: .636

Hits: 14 out of 22 at-bats

Home Runs: 1

RBIs: 11

Stolen Bases: 6

Ally Straccia brings not only a high batting average but also speed on the bases, contributing significantly in scoring and driving in runs.

 

Riley Straccia

Batting Average: .586

Hits: 17 out of 29 at-bats

Doubles: 5

Triples: 2

RBIs: 16

Riley Straccia excels with extra-base hits, boosting her slugging and significantly impacting games with her ability to clear the bases.

 

Shayna Smith

Batting Average: .500

Hits: 18 out of 36 at-bats

Home Runs: 4

RBIs: 21

Stolen Bases: 9

Shayna Smith is another critical slugger for the team, with four home runs and a .972 slugging percentage, leading the team in RBIs.

 

Frankie Reed

Batting Average: .367

Hits: 11 out of 30 at-bats

Home Runs: 1

RBIs: 12

Stolen Bases: 5

Frankie Reed contributes solidly with key hits and has shown versatility and consistency throughout the season.