WHS softball gearing up for run at state tournament berth

It has been a successful spring season for the Waltham High School athletic program, with multiple teams within earshot of the MIAA state tournament as they enter the final few weeks of the regular season.

The Hawks softball team is no different. With less than a dozen games remaining on its schedule, WHS is hovering around .500 and aiming for a shot at the postseason.

“We’re excited to have that as a possibility this season,” head coach Danielle Nelson said. “We have been working on continuing to get hits against faster pitching. We are working on the basics — just fielding, good throws, catches in the outfield. We are focused on aggressive base-running, getting those extra bases when we can. If we continue to show up like we know how, we have a good chance at making the playoffs.”

A keen focus on the fundamentals has driven a remarkable resurgence for the Hawks this year. Waltham has managed five wins, which exceeds its output from the previous two seasons combined.

“It’s really exciting,” Nelson said. “We have a good group of returners along with some younger players who are starting to get playing time this year. The girls seem to have put in the work in the offseason and came back strong this season. It has been fun to be a part of.”

The Hawks kicked off the season with some high-octane performances at the dish. These efforts gave the team the belief that they can make it happen scoring-wise and keep up with formidable opponents.

“We have really shown up behind the plate,” Nelson said. “Those high-scoring games at the beginning of the year really brought confidence to the girls against those better pitchers.”

Waltham also has an ace of its own on the mound. Josie Proskoczilo has pitched all but a few innings for the squad this year — a workhorse for the team. The sophomore brings a steadied approach and locates her stuff well. Proskoczilo is also the team’s leadoff hitter, setting the tone for the much-improved Hawks.

Fellow sophomore Laila Drouillard has provided speed on the basepaths, scoring a bunch of runs while holding down the shortstop position defensively. Drouillard played a massive role in the team’s 12-8 win over Cambridge Rindge and Latin School on May 2.

Rounding out Waltham’s lineup is senior Morgan Smith. The third baseman brings some power hitting to the plate and has proven capable of driving in runs.

This trio will look to be sharp as the Hawks chase the postseason. Some tough opponents await, including a visit from Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School, the eighth-ranked team in MIAA Division 1, on Tuesday, May 13.