By KEN HAMWEY

Staff Sports Writer

Brett MacGowan’s second year as Millis High’s softball coach will be all about improvement.

Brett MacGowan is in his second year as Millis High’s softball coach. Courtesy photo

Last year, the East Longmeadow native guided the Mohawks to a 9-9 regular season record then split a pair of games in the playoffs, beating Narragansett and losing to West Boylston.

“We want to improve on last year’s .500 record,’’ MacGowan said. “And we want to improve our numbers and our position.” 

Improving the numbers and the team’s position are admirable objectives. “Improving the numbers means having an impact on the youth program so there are always good turnouts of players striving to play on the varsity,’’ MacGowan said. “Improving position refers to our power ranking. Last year, we were ranked 12th in Division 5.’’  

MacGowan has three goals for this season and he’s optimistic they can be achieved. 

“We want to compete at a high level,’’ he said. “And we want to qualify for the tournament and be in the mix for the Tri Valley League Small Division title. To reach these goals we’ll need to work hard and rely on team chemistry.’’ 

Millis had a 2-1 record at Local Town Pages deadline.

The Mohawks lost only all-star catcher Frankie Pizzarella to graduation and have 10 returnees with different levels of experience. The returnees’ strengths are why MacGowan is upbeat about this season.

“We’ve got experience, depth, an improving softball IQ, speed and quickness,’’ he offered. “Our pitching is a plus, our defense is good and our hitting has improved.’’

Millis’ captains are a talented senior trio. They include pitcher Riley Caulfield, third baseman Izzy Jewett and centerfielder Abby Powers.

“A right-hander, Riley was a three-time TVL all-star,’’ said MacGowan. “She  relies on a fastball, drop, change-up and curve, and her velocity and control are very good. She’s also versatile, able to play first base, shortstop or the outfield.’’

Caulfield had a 2-1 record that included a no-hitter against Bellingham to start the season. She also recorded 24 strikeouts in three games and was batting .500. Caulfield’s strikeout total for her career at Millis has reached 500.

MacGowan is a fan of Jewett because of her style.’

“Izzy is a hard-nosed competitor who has great range,’’ he emphasized. “She makes the tough play and has a rocket for an arm. Her effort is outstanding and she’s got great accuracy on her throws to first. Her offense has improved and she can hit for power.’’

Powers, who had five RBIs in three games to start the season, is an instinctive competitor whose softball IQ is high. “Abby is an excellent field general,’’ MacGowan noted. “She’s got speed, is a contact hitter and a terrific fielder. She relies on consistency.’’

Senior outfielder Kyra Rice has plenty of attributes that make her a valuable contributor. “Kyra has great speed, sees the field well and has a high softball IQ,’’ MacGowan said. “A contact hitter, she’s extremely coachable, is always positive and has a great personality. She’s scored five runs in our first three games.’’

Junior right-fielder Lindsay Grattan is another coachable player who has speed to burn. She was hitting .400 in her first three games. “Lindsay is the fastest player on the team,’’ MacGowan said. “She’s got great range, a strong arm, and can hit for power. She delivers in clutch situations and relies on her speed.’’

Junior Emilia Leach played third base last year but now is handling the catching chores. She’s off to a good start this season, hitting .500 and driving in six runs.

“Emilia plays solid defense, has a strong arm, hits for power and is a capable field general,’’ MacGowan said. “A reserve behind the plate last year, she’s got lots of potential on defense. She blocks the plate well and has a strong arm. She can hit for power and is one of our best hitters.’’

Junior Isabella Briones is in her second year playing first base. “Isabella is versatile, able to play the infield or the outfield,’’ MacGowan noted. “She’s smart, coachable, is a solid fielder and hits for power.’’

Sophomore Mia Vasta, the Mohawks’ No. 2 pitcher last year, can also play first base or the outfield. “Mia was used in relief,’’ MacGowan said. “A right-hander, she throws a fastball and a change-up and has good control. She’s smart, coachable and knows how to field her position.’’

Freshman Molly Rand, who was hitting .500 after three games, will start at shortstop. “Molly has lots of potential, both in the field and at the plate,’’ MacGowan said. “She’s very talented, has a high softball IQ, great range, speed and quickness. She’s a contact hitter who also has power.’’ 

Sophomore second baseman Zoe Sparks will be a key contributor. “Zoe is a good fielder who covers the bases well and also is a strong hitter. Her grand slam against Hopkinton last year was a key to that victory.’’

Two freshmen — Macy Ingraham and Alicia Ellis — can play a variety of positions and have shown signs of being effective competitors. “They’ve got tons of potential,’’ MacGowan said.

Relying on an athletic philosophy that focuses on reaching one’s potential and having fun, MacGowan firmly believes that if players are pushed and reach their potential, then winning will be the by-product. “If they’re having fun while being pushed, then players will improve,’’ he said.

Life lessons can be learned from sports and MacGowan has five that he lists as valuable. “Sports can help players learn to be good teammates and quality leaders,’’ he said. “Athletics also teach how to overcome adversity and to be resilient. Time management is another great lesson.’’ 

MacGowan’s staff of assistants includes Allie Marcone (infield), Mark Caulfield (outfield) and Emma Tomlin (jayvees). “They all mesh well and are able to help with adjustments during a game,’’ he said.

MacGowan has lined up a non-league schedule that should help Millis in its quest to qualify for the playoffs. The non-league encounters are West Boylston, Bristol County Aggies, Holbrook and Hopedale.

“After a year, I’m now more acclimated to the tasks that go along with being a head coach,’’ MacGowan said. “We’re all aware that we play in a very competitive league and that qualifying for the tournament will take hard work and team chemistry.’’

Brett MacGowan has perspective and he also knows what ingredients are needed to succeed in the TVL.