The Franklin softball team, led by a group of 10 seniors (9 players and 1 team manager), did a tremendous job setting the tone for what Coach Breanna Shaffer wants Franklin Softball to represent. The team's focus was a We, not a Me mindset, emphasizing playing for each other and putting the team first in everything they did.

"A big part of our approach has been controlling what we can control. That means showing up to every practice and game with a strong effort, a positive attitude and a commitment to do the little things," Shaffer said.

The coach noted that what stood out about this year's team is how connected they were as a group, continually supporting each other, competing for one another and genuinely enjoying being around one another; that culture has made a difference on and off the field.

Last spring, the Panthers put together a 9-11 regular season record and were able to advance into the Division 1 State Tournament as the number 11 seed. Franklin would defeat Springfield Central 22-2 in their first game at home and would then fall to Lincoln Sudbury 2-0 in the Round of 16. This year, the team would enter the playoffs again, triumphant in its first two games but fell in the Round of 8.

Shaffer, in her fourth year as the Panthers' head coach, graduated five seniors from last year but returned 11 varsity players, who each shone in her own way.

Senior Sophia Sacramone would take the ball in the circle for Franklin on a regular basis. The team's primary hurler also saw some outfield playing time and eclipsed the 300-career strikeout mark this season. She'd deliver a walk-off win against Haverhill this season, helping advance the team to the Round of 16.

"As a four-year varsity starter, she has been a workhorse for us in the circle," the Panther coach said.

Sacramone's counterpart on the field was senior catcher and co-captain Addilyn Weiss, a three-year varsity player who saw a lot of time at second base last year. Playing behind the plate is Weiss' primary position, although she is as versatile as they come, and the coaching staff is confident she'll call the right pitches.

"I've always said that if I can have nine Addis on my team it would be great - she has a high softball IQ and can play here anywhere," Shaffer said. "She's been a lead-by-example type of person."

Weiss' co-captain was shortstop Ella Weston, a 4-year varsity player who is very hard on herself and the way that she plays the game. Playing in the middle of the field for the Panthers, Weston has an incredible range in the field and could flash the leather with the best of them, keeping her teammates within striking distance of their opponents.

Phenomenal third baseman Senior Ava Florest, committed to play at Simmons University next year, brought consistency to the game. The coach described her as "clutch," and the person to be at to the plate if the team needed a hard hit.

First year player Phoebe O'Connor was also "a firecracker that has brought a spark to the team," says Shaffer. The freshman, used mostly as the team's designated player, also can play the outfield as well as pitch. O'Connor already won a state title with the volleyball team in her first season, and the coach was hoping to have an athlete of her caliber.

Prior to the tournament play, the coach pointed out she wanted the large number of seniors this year ... to have one last ride."

And so, they did.