As the last couple of years were defined by long postseason runs — one Final Four appearance, followed by being among the Sweet 16 in Division 2 — the expectations are naturally high for more success like that this spring, if not better, especially with a veteran all-star pitcher returning for a third straight season. In softball, that’s always a good place to start.
Veteran Marblehead High coach Johnny Gold knows that to be true, and that’s why he’s so optimistic going into the start of the 2026 campaign. “We expect to get a (Northeastern) conference championship, and make it to the (Division 2) Final Four,” he said.
High school coaches usually don’t make such optimistic proclamations, but he knows he has pitcher Tessa Francis, last year’s NEC Player of the Year, back in the circle for a third straight spring.
One year ago, these Magicians finished up with a 17-5 overall record, including going 1-1 in the postseason, before losing to Hopkinton in the Sweet 16, 7-1. As the 15th seed statewide, according to final regular season power rankings, they first defeated Leominster (10-9), the 18th seed, 3-0 in the Round of 32.
Centerfielder Ashley Mortensen and third baseman Tessa Andriano are this year’s captains. Gold had 22 show up for the first official day of practice on March 16. Among that group was freshman Avery Sheridan, who is already making an impression on the coach. “(Sheridan) is an excellent athlete, who may actually start (at second base),” said Gold.
Possibly joining Sheridan in the starting lineup (always subject to change) are catcher Isabel Mortensen, Andriano at third, shortstop Hailey Schmitt, first baseman Kate Andriano, leftfielder Nora Mahan, Ashley Mortensen in center, right-fielder Lucy Rogers and designated hitter and utility player Lillian Reddy.
Grace Dowd, who is capable of playing second or third, and Delia Heit and Ava Pouladian, backup catchers and designated hitters, will add considerable depth to the overall varsity roster.
Gold acknowledges that starting pitching, hitting and speed will be the strengths of this year’s varsity squad with its only weakness being perhaps a backup pitcher. It’s definitely going to be a veteran club, with eight seniors leading the way. One junior, and two sophomores and two freshmen will round out the roster.
Gold expects no easy games this year. “The Northeastern Conference has very strong and talented teams (throughout both the Dunn and Lynch Divisions),” he said.
With no tuneup scrimmages on the schedule, the Magicians will begin the season against non-league host Lynnfield on Tuesday, March 31. They will be at Masco the next day. Both games will start at 4 p.m. Gold’s crew will close out the week at home on the Veterans Middle School diamond against non-league Bishop Fenwick on April 2, starting at 4:30 p.m.
