PEABODY — Despite being in just his first week as the new head coach of the Tanners’ softball team, Steve Lomasney already likes what he’s seeing this preseason.

“We are fortunate to have a really strong group of returners. This team hit almost 40 home runs last year and watching them at BP this week it’s clear they have a ton of power,” Lomasney said. “A lot of them were hitting balls 20-30 feet over the fence, so it’s an impressive group. The bats are deep, we have pitching, and girls who can run the bases and are also strong fielders. I believe this team can compete with anybody.”

The Tanners will led by senior captains Abby Bettencourt, Avery Grieco, and Logan Lomasney in more ways than just leadership. The trio sets the offensive tone at the top of the batting order.

A three-time Northeastern Conference Player of the Year, Bettencourt is coming off a 266-strikeout season with an ERA of 0.88 across 120 innings. She batted over .600 and smacked 10 home runs. A two-time NEC All-Conference all-star, Logan Lomasney, who will start at shortstop for a fourth year,  batted .520 with nine home runs and 32 RBI. Grieco, a three-time NEC All-Star, will will see likely see time in the circle and in the outfield, also batted over .400 with two homers.

“They’re our top three in the order for a reason,” Steve Lomasney said. “Abby is just a phenomenal hitter and Logan is a great baserunner. Avery came on hot late last year and is a fierce bat in the order.”

Other key returners include senior third baseman Kiley Doolin and junior second baseman JJ Emerson. Sophomore Lizzie Bettencourt will move from first base to catcher, replacing older sister Isabel, who is off to a fast start as the starting catcher at Bates College.

“Lizzy does a really good job catching and she and Abby as sisters have a great rapport and relationship and that’s exactly what you want in your battery,” Steve Lomasney said.

In addition to filling the void at first base, Lomasney said all three outfield positions are still up in the air.

“Junior Jess Steed is likely be one of the outfielders and is looking good right now,” Steve Lomasney said. “I expect her to be a really good player for us this year. Senior Alansa Sweeney also got some at-bats last year and has a really strong arm so I’m expecting a lot from her, and junior Caitlynn Burke played quite a bit as well last year. Senior Payton Petrillo is another one and she brings a good right-handed bat. Junior Jaelyn Emerson and sophomore Jaslyn Iraola also are in the mix for playing time.”

New to the team this year are a pair of freshmen, Avery Bettencourt and Kaylee DiNicola.

Lomasney said much of his focus this year will be on putting more balls into play.

“The next piece is to be better in the swing-and-miss department. We need to strike out less and just put the ball in play especially with two strikes so we can get to the next batter.”

As far as the conference goes, Lomasney said it’s too soon to tell.

“I don’t really know what teams are bringing back this year, but anything can happen on any given day so our focus is on being ready to play for a state title at every practice and game,” Steve Lomasney said. “To get there, we will need to practice at a very high level.”

Lomasney said 3-time defending state champion Taunton, which defeated Peabody in the final in 2022, and 2023 runner-up Central Catholic, which eliminated the Tanners in the Final Four last year, will be the top contenders for a state championship. 

“Last year was a tough one,” he said. “It came down to a couple of plays and a few things that just didn’t go in our favor, but with our pitching, defense, and bats I believe we have the ability to compete again this year.”