The King Philip softball team will be in the playoffs for the sixth time since Kate Fallon-Comeau took the coaching reins. 

But, this season will be a little different — the Warriors will be competing in the Division 2 tournament instead of Division 1. “I don’t think it’ll be much different,’’ Fallon-Comeau said. “It’s all the same because there are good teams in every division. Two top-quality squads in Division 2 that’ll be in contention to win it all are Walpole and Silver Lake.’’

The Warriors handled their Division 1 chores admirably, advancing to the state final in 2024 and in 2023 they were a Final Four team. Both times they were eliminated by Taunton.

KP, which had an 11-3 record and a No. 1 ranking in Division 2 at Local Town Pages deadline, is a young contingent but the coach likes her team’s overall strengths. 

“We’ve got depth and some experience; we’re skilled and athletic; our team chemistry is very good; and we’ve got one of the best pitchers in the state (McCoy Walsh),’’ Fallon-Comeau noted. “Our goals at the start of the season were to work hard every day and support one another. We also set our sights on the Kelly-Rex Division title in the ockHHockomock League, strive to win as many games as possible and go deep in the tourney.’’

A senior right-hander and a four-year starter, Walsh is one of four captains. “A hard-worker and a leader by example, McCoy relies on a fast ball, riser, curve and change-up,’’ said Fallon-Comeau. “Her fastball is her best pitch and her control is excellent. She reached 700 strikeouts in a game against Dighton-Rehoboth and will be playing for Hofstra next year.’’

Through April, Walsh had an 8-3 record, an E.R.A. of 1.74 and 134 strikeouts.

The other captains include Ali Gill (senior second baseman), Lauren Griffin (senior first baseman/catcher), and Kiera Lawrence (junior right fielder).

“Ali is another four-year player who also leads by example,’’ Fallon-Comeau offered. “She hits third in the lineup and has a lot of pop in her bat. She’s also fast on the bases and will be at Colgate next year. Her stats through April include a batting average of .458, 26 RBIs and 9 home runs. Lauren is a vocal captain who’s steady and reliable. A capable fielder who hits fifth, she does a good job at the plate. Kiera is a quiet leader, is commanding in the outfield, gets a good read on the ball, and has a good work ethic.’’

Sophomore Cheyenne Murray is a young shortstop who’s ‘’finding her way,’’ according to her coach. “Cheyenne is playing a position where we had dynamic players in the past,’’ Fallon-Comeau said. “She makes a difficult play look easy and turns in some spectacular efforts.’’

Junior Bailey Cederbaum is KP’s capable catcher. “Bailey is reliable and very solid on defense,’’ Fallon-Comeau said. “She blocks the plate well and hits eighth. A situational hitter, she gets key hits when we need them.’’

Leadoff hitter Annabelle Curran is a top-notch centerfielder for a sophomore. “Annabelle has done a great job in the outfield,’’ Fallon-Comeau noted. “She’s fast and has great range. Liv Wainwright would have been another plus in the outfield but she fractured her arm in our third game. Hitting .600 when she was injured, she’s probably out for the year.’’

Sophomore Reegan Durden, who bats cleanup, is KP’s designated player and a backup pitcher. “Reegan has given us some solid relief innings in the circle and a strong bat in the lineup,’’ Fallon-Comeau said. “A line-drive hitter who also hits for power, she keeps the ball in play.’’

Junior Kelly Donahue plays third and bats ninth in the lineup. “She’s a solid No. 9 hitter, gets timely hits and is developing into an effective third baseman,’’ Fallon-Comeau said.

The Warriors have a group of supportive players who deliver results when called on and provide depth. They include juniors Lexi Gebhard and Addie Townsend and freshman Emma Flaherty, Lexie Davis and Livy Wiggin.

“Lexi and Addie are reserve first basemen,’’ Fallon-Comeau said. “Lexi is a good baserunner and Addie is strong as a situational defender. Emma now is starting in left field and hits No. 2. She’s a capable contact hitter. Lexie is a courtesy runner who’s scored some key runs this year, and Livy is a reserve at third who’s used as a situational runner.’’

Fallon-Comeau’s coaching philosophy gets results and it 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.’’

If all of KP’s team strengths and its adherence to a team-first approach surface, then the Warriors just might have lots of post-season success. Two other keys for the Warriors are to be peaking at the right time and to stay focused on one game at a time.

“We’re looking to have a strong finish with sights on going deep into the Division 2 tournament,’’ Fallon-Comeau emphasized. “It will take a full team effort to get us there but we’re up for the task.’’