A run of five straight tournament seasons with at least one Merrimack Valley Conference softball team in a state semifinal ended last spring.
That fact probably didn’t sit too well around the Valley.
And that could change this spring. If it does, there will likely be some loud noise.
Offense could rule the diamond this spring with more than a handful of experienced, talented bats returning in the region for 2026.
The headliners start in Andover, which returns a pair of Eagle-Tribune All-Stars in catcher Aria Fraser and shortstop Alivia Baldwin, along with slugging all-conference first baseman Eve Rittershaus.
“I have to think that Fraser is the best catcher in the state,” said Warriors’ coach Rick Quattrocchi. “Rittershaus (.482, 7 HRs, 28 RBIs) is probably our best hitter.”
Both Fraser, who has committed to Division 1 softball at Florida Gulf Coast University, and Baldwin hit over .500 last spring for a Warriors team that went 16-6.
In all, Andover returns eight starters, including top pitchers Mia Rousseau and Molly Purtschert.
MVC breakdown
The defending champ Warriors will likely be the preseason choice in MVC2, which also features Dracut, Haverhill, Lawrence, Lowell and North Andover.
Meanwhile, in MVC1, it’s defending co-champion Tewksbury and Central Catholic, along with Billerica, Chelmsford and Methuen.
The Redmen, who went to the Division 2 state quarterfinals in 2025, return 18-game winner Gabriella Davis back to the circle, along with all-conference first baseman Julianna Cappiello and sophomore third baseman Kayleigh Martin.
Eyes on Salerno, Central freshmen
Back-to-back monster graduation classes have left Central Catholic a bit thin in the experience department. The Raiders return just three starters.
Of course, one of the three is a dynamic game-changer in junior Eagle-Tribune All-Star pitcher Chloe Salerno.
She went 9-2 against the top competition a year ago and is joined by top returners Emily Goc at first and Ella O’Connell in the outfield.
From a handful of coaches and league followers polled unofficially, Central could bounce right back, a bit sooner than some may have thought. Keep an eye on the Raider youngsters.
“With only three returning starters, we have a lot of work to do to be game ready, but with one of the best freshmen classes we have had in quite some time we are pleased with the overall talent in the program and hope to build up as the season progresses,” said coach Stacy Ciccolo.
Moscaritolo, Hillies trending upward
After a two-year hiatus from postseason play, Haverhill High returned to the Division 1 tourney. Eagle-Tribune All-Star Ava Moscaritolo played a huge role in that success, picking up five wins on the mound while striking out 60 in 81 innings pitched.
She’s joined by seven other returning starters this spring, including junior classmate and second-team All-MVC choice Gianna Pistone.
“I’m excited about what this group brings into the season. The energy, work ethic, and commitment I’ve seen so far have been outstanding,” said Hillies coach Hayley McCarthy. “We have a great mix of experience and new talent. Our focus is on continuing to improve every day, competing, and representing Haverhill.”
Lancers staying positive
Lawrence High coach Shirley Peralta-Veras returns five starts, including seniors Irenis Paredes and Alyssa Nazario.
“We’re still focused on building and growing this program the right way. We have a great group of girls who show up every day ready to work and eager to learn, and we’re seeing improvement with each practice,” said Peralta-Veras. “We’re also fortunate to have an amazing group of coaches and volunteers this year, which has been a huge factor in helping our players develop and learn the game. While we did lose some key players to graduation and transfers, we have confidence in the group we have and the direction we’re heading.”
Rangers hungry for playoff return
For the first time in his 20 years (19 seasons) as Methuen High head coach, Jason Smith’s Rangers missed the postseason.
“We return a solid core of starters who are eager to make it back to the state tournament after not making it last year,” said Smith. “ Adriana (Delaney) and Mel (Reyes) had all-conference seasons last year and have worked hard to make sure this team is more successful this season.”
Delaney, who is committed to Division 2 Southern New Hampshire University, has been a staple in the Ranger outfield throughout her career.
Reyes slid into the circle last year to fill a void and returns to her more natural position at third for her junior season.
The pitching duties will be thrust into the capable hands of a promising freshman.
“Our sophomores got valuable playing time last year and I can already see their growth that will pay dividends this year. Our newcomers will need to step up to fill the holes left by our graduating seniors,” said Smith. “Delaney D’Hondt will step right into the circle as a freshman and will help keep every game competitive.”
Changing faces for Knights
Four starters return from a North Andover squad led by senior captains Lauren Lynch and Lily Fabiano.
The Knights won a dozen games last year. Coach Caitlin Flanagan will entrust the pitching duties to sophomore Lili Lee.
“We have a young and exciting group this year,” said Flanagan. “(Lee) will have an extraordinarily versatile group of athletes behind her.”