By Ken Hamwey

Staff Sports Writer

King Philip’s softball team has high standards and its seasonal records usually are so good they invite lofty expectations.

Consider the last two years. Coach Kate Fallon-Comeau, who’s in her sixth year at the Warriors helm, led KP into the state tourney final last season, and in 2023 KP advanced to the state semifinals. On both occasions, the Warriors lost to Taunton, which now has won four consecutive state championships.

Those setbacks, however, haven’t discouraged the 2025 contingent — they’re back in the playoff mix again and ready for another deep advance.

“At the start of the season, the girls’ goals were all about going back to the states again,’’ Fallon-Comeau said. “My immediate goals were to work hard and develop our strengths. The next objectives were to qualify for the tourney and go as deep as possible. We’re capable of getting to the finals again but we must keep working hard and improving.’’

Fallon-Comeau no doubt has her team’s attention. At Local Town Pages deadline, the Warriors were 14-2.

KP lost five seniors from last year’s outstanding squad but five starters on this year’s team are experienced returnees. Three freshmen, nevertheless, have earned starting roles and are contributing.

“Our strengths include pitching, hitting, defense, some experienced players, and girls whose softball IQs are good but still developing,’’ Fallon-Comeau offered. “Our players are also athletic and very coachable.’’

KP’s four captains are quality leaders and well-skilled competitors. They include seniors Liv Petrillo (shortstop) and Allie Cecere (pitcher/first base) and juniors Ali Gill (second base/outfield) and McCoy Walsh (pitcher). 

Through the first half of the season, the quartet had compiled some noteworthy statistics. Petrillo, who will play next year at Providence College, was hitting .423 and had 7 home runs, 21 RBIs and 14 runs scored. Gill was hitting .424 and had 4 home runs, 16 RBIs and 23 runs scored. Walsh was 8-1, had 84 strikeouts and an E.R.A. of 1.09. Cecere was 3-0, had 25 strikeouts and a 0.00 E.R.A.

“Liv bats in the clean-up slot, she hits hard and has lots of power,’’ Fallon-Comeau said. “Her swing is great, too. Liv is solid at shortstop and has a strong arm. Allie moves the ball effectively, relying on a curve ball and riser. Her control is good and she’s a very capable fielder. 

“Ali (Gill) swings well, she’s fast on defense and has good range in the outfield. McCoy is one of the top pitchers in the state, a dominant force. She’s confident, mixes her speeds, locates well and relies on lots of spin. She also fields her position very well.’’

Sophomore Bailey Cederbaum may be young but “she’s doing a great job as our catcher,’’ Fallon-Comeau said. “Bailey’s skills and technique are improving every day, she’s solid on defense and her throwing arm is strong.’’

At the halfway mark of the season, sophomore Kiera Lawrence, who has a batting average of .412, 11 RBIs and 10 runs scored, had settled in nicely in right field. “Kiera is fast, her arm is strong, and she gets a good read on the ball,’’ Fallon-Comeau said. “She’s improving as a hitter.’’

KP’s freshmen trio includes Cheyenne Murray (third base), Annabelle Curran (center field), and Liv Wainwright (left field). Curran was hitting .486, had 10 RBIs and 18 runs scored.

“Cheyenne is solid at third, making things happen,’’ said Fallon-Comeau. “She’s athletic and is smooth covering bunts. She’s got lots of confidence at the plate. Annabelle is fast, reads the ball well in the outfield, has a strong arm and is a left-handed hitter who swings a solid bat. Liv started well, is solid, improving and still learning.’’

Junior Lauren Griffin is utilized as the designated-player. “She’s a very effective contact hitter who keeps the ball in play,’’ Fallon-Comeau noted.

KP’s assistant coaches deserve praise for the way the program continues to excel. Clara Pereira is the first-base coach and Bill Kelley, who’s been assisting Fallon-Comeau for six years, helps wherever he’s needed. “Clara played for me at Franklin High and she played at Wheaton,’’ Fallon-Comeau said. “She knows the game. Bill has got great experience, he focuses on basics and is always a step ahead.’’

Fallon-Comeau’s coaching philosophy stresses a combination of winning, reaching one’s potential and having fun. 

“I drill fundamentals, strive to motivate our players and want them to respect the game,’’ she said. “And, there are valuable life lessons I hope the girls learn. Some include overcoming adversity, learning to be resilient, becoming good leaders and quality teammates while also accepting responsibility and being accountable.’’

The Warriors are acutely aware that Taunton has set the bar high. The Tigers are still in dynasty-mode (four straight state crowns). They also are the defending Kelly-Rex Division champs. Their program obviously is dominant.

But, as Kate Fallon-Comeau says: “We’re capable of getting to the state finals again.’’

A strong work ethic, daily improvement and staying healthy are the keys to a deep tourney run for KP. Another match-up with Taunton isn’t out of the question.

The Warriors’ coach and players, however, know there’ll be some challenging opponents early on and that a deep tourney advance is all about taking care of business.

Regardless of how KP’s season ends, this program continues to provide its fans with hope and high expectations.