Monty Tech Softball Leans On Collaboration Of Young Players With Veterans To Find Success

A young roster hasn't stopped Monty Tech softball from dominating on the field this season.

The 9-4 Bulldogs are one of the top teams in the area, showcasing their big bats and clean defense game after game.

The team won five in a row, a streak that was kicked off with a huge 8-4 win over Blackstone Valley Tech, a team that Monty Tech hasn't beat in years, according to head coach David Reid.

A comeback win against Narragansett, who is second in Mid-Wach D, and an extra innings victory over Oakmont were other big moments in that win streak.

"I think the resiliency of them coming back from some of the games," Reid said. "I think our offense has done well, and that's what you need."

Senior captain Bridget Divoll, one of Monty Tech's offensive assets and a pitcher and infielder, has been key to leading the young team to fight back in games.

"I feel like it was definitely pretty scary at first (for them), especially freshmen on varsity, but they have all adjusted very well to their positions," Divoll said.

More: Game-winning hits and hat tricks: Who is the latest top performer in Gardner-area sports?

The team has five freshmen, four sophomores and eight upperclassmen in total. This has left plenty of opportunity for younger players to contribute, and several of them have stepped up to the challenge.

Freshman Mabel Miling tallied 12 strikeouts in the Bulldogs' game against AMSA on May 12 and has been a positive addition to Monty Tech's pitching staff that includes Divoll and sophomore Maggie Pernaa.

"I feel like it's just being someone they know has the experience they can always talk to," said Jordan Higbee, another captain who has helped guide the young players.

Other key members of the team this season are freshman Jamison Higbee, sophomore Delani Stuart and senior Nicole Fluet. The underclassmen have meshed with the veterans to create a solid roster that has learned to not give up, even when down in a game.

"I think we definitely improve every game, our team comes together," Divoll said.

"I think we have less errors this year than any other year I've coached in the past 10, 15 years," Reid said. "We've made some good plays defensively."

More: Adam Adams' 'gutsy' performance against Lunenburg reflects his impact on Quabbin baseball

Monty Tech has continued to evolve and adjust as the season goes on, facing a few tough losses against teams like Notre Dame and AMSA, but have goals to make a strong postseason appearance.

On Monday the team will play Bay Path (7-7, 6-2 CAL), a top contender in the league that they lost to earlier this season. However, the way the Bulldogs have been clawing back from deficits, it could be anyone's game.

This article originally appeared on Gardner News: Monty Tech softball has figured out the art of the comeback