Softball, Golf, Lacrosse Spearhead Holy Child Season

With four of five midfielders returning this spring, the Gryphons are counting on a strong lacrosse season. But the team still needs to fill the shoes of two captains, starting defenders and a goalie, all of whom graduated last spring.

By Jon Craig

Lacrosse

With four of five midfielders returning this spring, the Gryphons are counting on a strong lacrosse season. But the team still needs to fill the shoes of two captains, starting defenders and a goalie, all of whom graduated last spring.

Varsity coach Charles Slater said the team has a lot of strength in midfield including co-Captain Charlotte Elcock, who was high scorer and All Northeast last season.

The team’s other captain is Helen Brosnan, a three-year starter on attack. She’s been accepted to Georgetown University.

Maggie Welsh, a sophomore, also will be a major contributor, according to Coach Slater.

Softball

This year’s a rebuilding year, according to Coach Jen Cirillo. “But there are a lot of great freshmen. They know there are positions to be filled.”

Among the top returnees is Pitcher Kathleen Samuelson. Samuelson is the team’s only returning senior. She plans to play softball at Brown University next year. “Samuelson is our strongest, most experienced pitcher,” Cirillo said. 

Among the newcomers is a pitcher who can relieve Samuelson. “That will take some heat off of her,” Cirillo said.

“She’s worked so hard,” Cirillo said of Samuelson. “She’s good to go. She’s a fine leader. The girls look up to her.”

Samuelson suffered tendonitis in an elbow last season, but is doing well this year, according to Cirillo.

Golf

A smiling Mike Duignan, in his fourth season as head golf coach, called his team “senior laden” — with eight returning seniors. 

The team is led by Paige Kennedy, who earned honorable mention in the Fairchester Athletic Association last season, and Maria Santangelo.

“We’re a deep team,” Duignan said.