At some point, Central Catholic softball might get its due.
The unbeaten (22-0) Merrimack Valley Conference champs make their third trip to the Division 1 state semifinals on Tuesday (5:30 p.m.) against Attleboro at UMass Dartmouth.
“I’m so proud of them right now,” said coach Stacy Ciccolo. “This will be the third time in the final four in four years. That’s very cool … with an entirely different group.”
Simply put, this was not supposed to happen in 2026, not with back-to-back graduation classes that simply ravaged the programs.
So how did Ciccolo’s crew do it?
Of course, it starts with blue-chip talent, and junior Chloe Salerno – a bit player as a freshmen when the Raiders reached the 2024 final four – delivered a marquee, All-Scholastic level campaign, both on the mound and at the plate, earning the MVC Player of the Year.
But how the pieces have come together around her is quite a tale.
“I think they’ve been so enjoyable to be around. They’re all so coachable. They want to play for each other. They want to play with each other,” said Ciccolo. “It’s just such an incredible vibe that comes from them. Never quit. They’re relaxed. They know it’s been a good season. We’re just kind of going for it. Whatever happens, happens, but I’m so proud of them just digging deep.”
The two seniors on the roster, outfielders Ella O’Connell and Meg Maresca, certainly raised their game and their leadership levels.
“Two seniors — who’ve been around, not playing big roles — but we had two seniors who’ve been roaming around and understand the program. Two juniors, Chloe and (first baseman) Emily (Goc), who got a lot of time last year, but that’s all we had,” said Ciccolo. “Everyone else was untested. But I really think that everybody took seriously the fact we graduated six last year and four the year before, those were the two (classes) that got to really do something special. These guys just went to work.”
The youngsters have taken turns all spring, pitching in.
Maddie Estepe on the mound and at short, Meg and Stella Clements, Gabby DelGaizo behind the dish, Deja Calderon at second.
They’re all coming back. But for now, the Raiders sit in some pretty elite company.
And, yeah, another potential date with five-time defending state champ and official Raider nemesis Taunton High coach be in the works.
“They’ve knocked us out every single time (they’ve played),” said Ciccolo. “It’s fun to play them, whatever. I’ll take it again. I love playing them. They’re the best. And we want to play the best. If that’s what happens again, so be it. You always want to play the best.”
A vote for MIAA power rankings
For those of you out there who rail against the MIAA’s power ranking system, don’t think about softball for one of your talking points.
I still have not been explained how the power rankings emanate. Yes, I know, it’s margin of victory added to strength of opponents, but how does the opponent you are using to measure get rated? It has to start somewhere. But, it’s working, so I will treat it as my own personal “what came first, the chicken or the egg?” argument.
Anyhow, back to the tourney.
With all the final fours basically set, the rankings off the field have been spot-on when the games begin.
In Division 1, the top four seeds are all through to the semis. In Division 2, The 1,3 and 4 are in. No. 2 Marshfield plays in the quarters on Monday. In D-3, It’s the 1,2,3 and 5. And in Division 4, the 1,2,3 all advanced, along with No. 12 Seekonk the lone true outlier.
One other note when it comes to the remaining participants in the five divisions – Ten are from the old south sectional, four from the central, three from the west and just two – Central Catholic and Georgetown – from the north.
Remember, Wakefield and Marshfield play for that last spot in D-2 on Monday.