By KEN HAMWEY

Staff Sports Writer

Holliston High’s softball team recorded its first winning campaign in coach Don Quindley’s brief tenure when the Panthers finished with an 11-5 record last year before losing to Apponoquet in the playoffs.

In his other two years at the helm. Quindley’s team struggled. In 2019 the Panthers managed only four triumphs in 20 outings. And in 2020, there were no spring sports because state officials canceled the season when the coronavirus developed into a pandemic.

All the signs this year point to the Panthers compiling a second straight winning season. As Quindley says: “We lost only three seniors to graduation and if we stay healthy, we should qualify for the tourney.’’

Besides experience, Holliston’s pitching, hitting and defense are strengths. And, Quindley lists athleticism, speed and a high softball IQ as additional assets.

So, if the Panthers are going to provide their coach with his second consecutive winning season, the pieces to the puzzle must fit and specific situations will need positive results. 

And, that’s what’s occurring in a dynamic way. At Local Town Pages deadline, Holliston was off to superb start — unbeaten at 4-0.

Two of Quindley’s senior captains — Sydney Miccile and Jordyn Kuharich — played key roles in last year’s success and they offer their opinions on what’s necessary for a return to post-season play. Miccile is a catcher but can play any of the other infield positions and Kuharich is a fixture in centerfield.

SYDNEY MICCILE

The 17-year-old Miccile, who also was a captain in volleyball, firmly believes there are two key elements that must take hold to produce another winning season — a strong bond and an inner drive.

“Bonding must occur,’’ said Miccile. “Team chemistry is necessary, both at the varsity and the jayvee level. As varsity players, we have to reach out to the jayvees and ensure that we’re all about being close-knit. Also, every individual must have an inner drive to be successful and to contribute to a positive team environment.’’

If those two facets are in the mix, then Miccile is optimistic her goals for 2022 will be realized. “My goals are to qualify for the tourney and go deeper than last year when we were eliminated in the first round,’’ she noted. “And, my second goal is for everyone to be fully focused so the team does well.’’

A captain whose style is “to advocate for teammates, to lead by example and be vocal when needed,’’ Miccile lists three players she believes will be strong contributors this year. They are senior captain Phoebe Drohan (second baseman), junior Emma Wood (pitcher), and sophomore Vanessa DeSimone (outfield, third base).

“Phoebe is a four-year veteran who’s consistent,’’ Miccile said. “She’s got confidence and energy and that helps elevate her teammates. A good contact hitter, she’s got terrific speed on the basepaths. Emma is very skilled and her fastball, change-up and drop are an effective assortment. A Tri Valley League honorable-mention last year, she hits for power. Vanessa has good range and speed in the outfield and displays lots of natural ability at third base. She played for both the varsity and jayvees last year.’’

Miccile’s stats last year were impressive. She hit .440, knocked in 12 runs, had 25 hits and scored 16 runs. Her strengths are a high softball IQ, versatility, athleticism, an instinctive nature and a strong arm. She also hits for power and many of her hits are well-placed.

“Sydney was a TVL all-star last year,’’ Quindley said. “Her ability to play five positions is such a plus. She’s a quiet leader who’s able to teach the game to our younger players.’’

The 5-foot-6 Miccile has been playing softball for 12 years and she’s competed at the club level for seven seasons.

“I’m optimistic we can play well this year because 13 players have returned and they know the importance of bonding,’’ she emphasized. And, our coach is another plus. His insight is good and he’s objective, able to see other points of view. He’s a fine motivator and he strives to improve as a coach.’’

Miccile labels last year’s 6-3 win over Medway on Senior Night as a very memorable game. “Our lineup had a lot of changes to accommodate playing all the seniors,’’ she recalled. Players were out of position but everyone competed hard and played well.’’

Miccile’s top thrill in softball was being selected a captain. “It shows that the players and the coaches have trust in me,’’ she noted.

An honor student, Miccile plans to major in civil engineering in college.

JORDYN KUHARICH

The 18-year-old Kuharich’s views on the keys for added success this season basically coincide with Miccile’s but she includes a few other features.

“Our foundation must be solid,’’ she emphasized. “And, to have a strong foundation means trusting one another and to be mentally tough. Mental toughness helps players to be resilient and able to bounce back from adversity.’’

Kuharich, who also played field hockey and ran track, says her goals are similar to Miccile’s. “The varsity and the jayvees must stay connected,’’ she offered. “That objective is all about working to build a strong foundation. And, I want to qualify for the tourney. That will happen if we all strive to be the best we can be. That’s what will lead to us finishing on a high note.’’

Three players Kuharich believes will be prime contributors for Holliston are senior captain Lauren Kampersal (outfield, infield), junior Lucy Maurao (pitcher, first base), and junior Amelia Harris (outfield, first base).

“Lauren is versatile, she’s got a high softball IQ and she’s hits for power,’’ Kuharich said. “Lucy is an effective pitcher who relies on a fastball, change-up and a drop. She’s also a capable hitter and fielder. Amelia can be an impact player. A left-handed hitter, she’s got speed, she gets on base consistently and she a good contact hitter.’’

Kuharich has played softball for 12 years and has competed at the club level for five. Her strengths include a high softball IQ, athleticism, good instincts, speed and hitting.

Quindley calls her “a gifted athlete.’’

“Jordyn was our leadoff hitter last year,’’ he said. “A spectacular fielder, she covers a lot of ground. She’s very athletic and she’s a strong, vocal leader.’’

Playing centerfield is where she’s comfortable.

“I like playing centerfield because there’s a need to communicate,’’ she said. “You see the entire field and that helps in anticipating what might happen next. It’s a read-and-react position. As a captain, I’m vocal and always communicating. I also strive to be supportive.’’

The 5-foot-3 Kuharich, who’s a daring base-runner, hit .300 and scored 19 runs last year. She says her best game came against Medfield last year and her top thrill in softball occurred as a freshman against Westwood.

“I went 4-for-5 against Medfield, drove in some runs and that helped us to beat them by a considerable margin,’’ she recalled. “As a freshman, I hit a home run that enabled us to beat Westwood. We trailed, 7-6, but the homer gave us a 9-7 victory.’’

A fan of her coach, Kuharich admires Quindley’s motivating style. “Our coach is objective and he’s also caring and understanding.’’

Kuharich is also a fan of her teammates. She knows the Panthers are experienced and they’ve got all the ingredients to be successful. “Experience is a plus but it can still be developed and improved,’’ she emphasized. “And, it can help us make an impact this season.’’