Captain, All-star a Well-rounded Student-Athlete

By Ken Hamwey
Staff Sports Writer

Liv Petrillo would definitely be in the running to win an election if voters were asked to select the most well-rounded student-athlete in the Hockomock League.

The 5-foot-6 Petrillo, who graduated from King Philip Regional on June 8, played three infield positions during her four-year career for the Warriors’ softball team. She also was a captain as a senior and was a Hockomock League all-star twice (honorable-mention choice as a sophomore). 

Petrillo’s academic achievements were dynamic, too. She was a two-time National Honor Society student who finished her senior year with a 3.9 GPA. This fall, the 18-year-old will be attending Providence College on an athletic scholarship and will major in nursing.

A native of Cumberland, R.I., Petrillo was also active at KP devoting time to help students, especially special-needs underclassmen, as a peer tutor and peer mentor.

Petrillo, whose nickname (Liv) is short for Olivia, obviously is very special. During a week in mid-April last spring when KP faced Milford, Oliver Ames and Bishop Feehan, she took “special’’ to a new level. She hit six home runs and had 16 RBIs, leading the Warriors to a sweep of the three games. She hit a trio of three-run HRs against Milford, a two-run blast and a solo shot against Oliver Ames, and a grand slam against Bishop Feehan.

That achievement earned Petrillo the Player of the Week Award in the Boston Globe, and Extra Inning Softball, a national organization, selected her for Hitter of the Week. 

She earned those accolades by “doing her homework.’’

Liv Petrillo enjoys playing shortstop where she’s not afraid to take risks to make key plays.

 “Before that week, my dad helped me with my hitting and fielding,’’ Petrillo said. “He was a very good athlete at Bishop Feehan — a pitcher and a quarterback. The practice was good preparation for those opponents.’’

Petrillo said that week no doubt was her top thrill in her four years of softball at KP. “It was so rewarding and the extra work paid off,’’ she emphasized. “Our fans provided lots of support and my teammates were all fired up.’’ 

KP coach Kate Fallon-Comeau was quick to congratulate Petrillo. “She was smiling and gave me some high-fives,’’ Petrillo offered. “That’s a memorable moment that I’ll never forget and will always cherish it.’’

Petrillo started playing softball as a six-year-old in Cumberland’s youth league and continued playing at that level in Wrentham. When she began her varsity career, she started as a freshman at third base then moved to second base as a sophomore. She later handled the chores at shortstop as a junior and senior.

“I love playing shortstop,’’ she said. “That’s where the action is and you have to cover lots of ground. I enjoy turning a grounder in the hole into a force-out at second. I’ll take risks trying to make plays. It’s a position where one can lead and there’s never a dull moment.’’

Where Petrillo will play at Providence College will be determined later but the Friars know they’re getting a top-quality athlete. She’s played club softball for eight years and has an abundance of strengths.

“Liv has been the kind of player every program hopes to have — a fierce competitor and a steady presence on and off the field,’’ Fallon-Comeau said. “As a senior captain, she stepped up in every way, leading by example and guiding our younger players with the same care and encouragement she once received from the great role models before her. Providence College is getting not just an outstanding athlete, but a true student of the game who’s ready to make an immediate impact.”

Liv Petrillo had a dynamic senior season, hitting .370, smacking 10 home runs and driving in 33 runs.

Petrillo has a high softball IQ, she’s technically sound and is a team-first player. She’s also athletic and displays plenty of leadership. “I rely on an aggressive style,’’ she said. “I’ll take risks trying to make plays and I’ll swing at pitches out of the strike zone, hoping to advance runners.’’

Petrillo’s style as a captain involves a combination of traits. “I lead by example, I’m vocal and I strive to be supportive and encouraging,’’ she emphasized.

Petrillo was disappointed that KP, which usually advances in the playoffs to the final four or to the state final, didn’t win a state crown. The Warriors lost to Lincoln-Sudbury, 4-1, in the Division 1 quarterfinals and their only run came on a home run by Petrillo.

“A state title would have been a great way to end my days at KP,’’ she said. “I was down after the loss but we gave 100 percent and battled hard all season. Lincoln-Sudbury’s pitching and hitting were strong.’’

Playing all four years for Fallon-Comeau, Petrillo has a high regard for her coach.

“She’s a great motivator, always pushing us to reach our potential,’’ Petrillo offered. “She’s an excellent X’s-and-O’s strategist and she’s very supportive.’’

Statistics don’t always tell the story but Petrillo had a memorable senior year. She batted .370, hit 10 HRs, had 33 RBIs and scored 22 runs. The classy captain, however, was quick to praise KP’s other captains for their roles in leading the Warriors to an 18-3 regular season record.

The other captains were senior Allison Cere at first base and juniors Ali Gill at second base and McCoy Walsh on the mound. “They all were supportive and stepped up at the plate and in the field,’’ Petrillo said. “Allison is a top-notch first baseman who’s a consistent hitter. Ali was versatile, able to play the outfield or second base and McCoy is a pitcher who was simply spectacular and consistent.’’

Relying on a competitive philosophy that focuses on reaching one’s potential, Petrillo always strived to improve. “I also felt that enjoying your sport was important and if potential and enjoyment are present, then winning is the by-product.’’

Athletics can teach valuable life lessons and Petrillo says she’s learned about a half dozen. “Sports teach how to overcome adversity and to be resilient,’’ she noted. “I’ve also learned how to lead and how to be a better teammate. And, realizing that you have to assume responsibility and be accountable are very important lessons.’’

Calling her parents (James and Jennifer) role models for their support and encouragement, Petrillo is comfortable with her decision to attend Providence College. She had five other Division 1 schools offering scholarships.

“PC’s offer was very good, its academic standing is solid and its nursing facility is top-notch,’’ she said. “PC just felt like home and the players and coaches were down to earth. Coach Kelsey Christensen said she was excited that I was joining the Friar family.’’

The transition from KP softball to Big East competition no doubt will be challenging. “The key,’’ Petrillo said, “is to be flexible, adapt and handle the ups and downs effectively. There’ll be a transition academically, too. If I’ve got questions, I’ll rely on the coaches and my teammates. My dad stresses that hard work will be the key to success.’’

For the summer, Petrillo will prepare for her future by playing for her third club team (KP Pride) and working intensely on strength and conditioning drills. “PC sent a workout packet that should help with my transition,’’ Petrillo said.

The personable Petrillo will be devoting plenty of time sharpening her power skills. That means honing her swing.

“I try to swing level and quickly,’’ the right-hander said. “And, I always attempt to drive the ball hard as often as I can.’’

When she finds time to unwind, Petrillo enjoys being with her family (two sisters and one brother). And, the family’s four dogs.

Liv Petrillo has all the attributes to succeed at PC — in academics and as a college softball player. And, if she ever duplicates the week she had against Milford, Oliver Ames and Bishop Feehan, then look for her to pile up a fair share of Big East Player of the Week accolades.