Wildcats Bouncing Back After Early Struggles on Softball Field

For Milton High veteran softball coach RJ Maturo, the 2011 season has already emerged as one of the most challenging in his 18-year career.

Dealing with injuries as well as inexperience, the Wildcats have struggled to a 1-6 start and Maturo is still searching for answers.

“It’s been really tough for us so far,’’ said Maturo. “I remember about four years ago, we got off to a 2-5 start, and then we turned it around, finished 16-6 and advanced to the Quarterfinals of the tournament before we lost to King Phillip. Right now, we’re just trying to put it all together, and we have to find answers really soon, because were already almost halfway through the season and time is quickly running out.”

Despite the adversities the Wildcats are currently facing, several athletes have managed to shine in the spotlight.

One underclassman that has caught the eye of Maturo has been the rapid development of freshman Juliann Cosetta, whose determination, effort and raw talent have earned her a starting spot in the lineup.

“She’s very coachable, and is one of the hardest working athletes on the team,’’ said Maturo. “She’s developing into a five-tool player, and she just gives it her all out there. She never quits on a play, and she wants to take her game to the next level. She has a lot of raw talent, but with some coaching and some varsity experience, she’ll come into her own and perhaps be one of the best high school softball players around.”

Despite hitting just .260, Cosetta’s fielding percentage is nearly perfect, and has been errorless the past four games.

“She’s just starting to hit the ball very well, and the other day, she legged out two infield hits against Braintree,’’ said Maturo. “She’s got incredible speed, and if the ball’s in play, chances are that she’ll find a way to get on base. She’s becoming more comfortable on the field, and she’s made some great defensive plays. Right now, I would have to say that she’s my team’s MVP.”

Another key contributor for the Wildcats has been the steady presence of senior co-captain Abby Macomber. Through seven games, she’s posted close to a .300 batting average, while delivering a pair of clutch hits in Monday’s 8-3 loss to archrivals Braintree.

“Abby is a great leader on and off the field for us,’’ said Maturo. “She’s working extremely hard and is such a great kid. I really feel for her because she’s such a dedicated athlete, and tries everything she can to get things going, but right now, we’re just going through a very tough stretch right now. We’re hoping we can turn it around real soon, and make a run at the tournament.”

Offensively, the Wildcats have been guided by junior catcher Christin Brink, who’s recorded a team high .474 batting average and currently leads the squad in extra base hits.

“Christin is hitting the ball at a very good clip right now,’’ said Maturo. “She’s really been a solid contributor at the plate for us, and is our leading hitter. She’s doing a great job, but we need to have others come through for us as well. Other than a couple of people, we’re not hitting the ball very well right now.”

Senior co-captain Brenna Callahan, who fared impressive during the first week of the season, has struggled with her command since she was hit with a line drive off her pitching hand in the Wildcats’ 6-1 loss to Norwood in the second game of the season.

Overall, she’s struggled to an 0-5 mark while her earned run average is edging 6.00.

“She’s fighting through some things,’’ said Maturo. “She’s working with her (pitching coach), and she needs to work on improving her rise ball and her curveball. She’s really giving it a great effort out there, but she hasn’t been hitting her spots and opposing lineups have been taking advantage of those opportunities.”

In the Wildcats’ seven game stretch to start the season, they’ve suffered tough non conference losses to Dighton-Rehobeth (12-0) and Brockton (6-3) along with a pair of defeats to Braintree (8-3) and Natick (3-0).

“We should’ve won the Brockton game,’’ said Maturo. “We made a couple of mistakes out on the field, which led to some unearned runs and we just couldn’t come through with the timely hitting. In the Braintree game, we had a 3-2 lead in the sixth inning, and then we make a couple of mental mistakes and they score five runs to put it away.”

While a tournament berth may be tough to fathom, Maturo is hopeful of a turnaround to the Wildcats’ slow start.

“We have the potential and the talent to turn things around and make a run,’’ said Maturo. “We just have to put the (slow start) behind us, take things one game at a time and not become frustrated.”