Millis High’s softball team started the season 0-3 but adjusted quickly and is now in position to secure its third consecutive playoff berth.

The Mohawks, led by third-year coach Brett MacGowan, have some key strengths and talented players. And it’s that combination that has lifted Millis to a 6-7 record and a power ranking of No. 11 at Local Town Pages deadline. 

“We lost four seniors from last year’s 9-9 team but we have nine returnees with varying degrees of experience,’’ MacGowan noted. “Besides experience, we have depth, athleticism, and skilled and coachable players with high softball IQs. Our hitting, fielding and pitching are areas of strength and I have confidence in our entire lineup.’’

MacGowan is acutely aware that playing in the Tri Valley League has its challenges and he knows surprise outcomes often occur. The 0-3 start included TVL games against high-powered Norton and upstart Bellingham. The non-league loss was to Hopedale, another top-notch program.

“The TVL is highly competitive,’’ MacGowan said. “We lost to Norton, a perennial powerhouse, and to an improved Bellingham squad that defeated Medfield. And, Hopedale is always tough to beat.’’

Quality non-league teams on this year’s schedule, besides Hopedale, include West Boylston, Randolph and Rockland.

The goals MacGowan set at the start of the season were not only admirable, but also realistic. 

“Our objectives focused on qualifying and being prepared for the tournament, and turning out quality student-athletes who are role models,’’ he emphasized. “It’s one thing to qualify for the tourney but the key is to be prepared and ready to compete. We also want our players to be good citizens who contribute to their community. During April vacation, our varsity players ran youth-league clinics and coached teams for three days.’’

 Millis’ captains — third baseman Emilia Leach, who’s battled injuries, and first baseman Isabella Briones — are seniors who personify many of the team’s strengths. “Emilia leads by example, basically with her bat and glove,’’ MacGowan said. “Isabella is a vocal leader who communicates well and is supportive of her teammates.” 

The coach also admires the duo’s hitting and fielding ability.

“Emilia is our best pure hitter and is a strong fielder,’’ MacGowan said. “She bats second and is a combination power-hitter/spray-hitter. Isabella has great instincts in the field. She’s versatile, able to play first or third base or in the outfield. A contact hitter, she knows how to advance runners.’’

The juniors include pitcher Mia Vasta, second baseman Zoe Sparks, and left fielder Angela Noonan from Bellingham. At Local Town Pages deadline, Vasta had thrown 70 innings,  had an E.R.A. of 3.42., and threw a no-hitter against Rockland. Sparks was hitting .455. and had 39 putouts. 

“Mia sat behind Riley Caulfield for two years and got limited playing time,’’ MacGowan said. “She’s our No. 1 pitcher. Her assortment includes a fastball, drop, curve, change-up and a riser. A hard worker, her velocity and control are very good. Zoe is rock-solid at second and is a powerful contact hitter. As a freshman, she hit a grand slam to beat Hopkinton. She’s got a high softball IQ and is never out of position. Angela is always ready when called on.’’

The sophomore competitors are Molly Rand (shortstop), Alicia Ellis (catcher), Macy Ingraham (right field), and Sadie Bigelow (outfield). Rand had a .400 batting average at the paper’s deadline.

“Molly hits third in the lineup, has a powerful bat, a strong arm and good range,’’ MacGowan said. “And her softball IQ is high. Alicia started last year as a freshman. She bats fourth, is a strong hitter and also has a high softball IQ. She’s adjusted nicely in her role. She’s strong defensively and knows when to visit the mound to calm a pitcher.  

“Macy is in her first year starting after playing sparingly last year. A solid competitor, she covers a lot of ground in the outfield, is a contact hitter and has a high softball IQ. Sadie is in her first year. She’s super-fast, the second-fastest player I’ve ever coached, and she’s got good instincts.’’

Four freshmen are very coachable. They include Keira Davis (centerfield), Olivia Desimone (outfield), Shannon Rand (pitcher, third base), and Maddie Pinto (outfield). Davis was hitting .513.

“Keira bats leadoff, is so smooth in the field and has a high softball IQ,’’ MacGowan said. “Olivia is versatile, playing wherever you need her to play. Shannon has great instincts and Maddie is a smart player. This quartet will play a major role in our future.’’

MacGowan’s assistant coaches are Mark Caulfield and Ally Marcone. “Both work at the school and coached with me the last two years,’’ he said. “They’re fantastic, knowledgeable and respected by the players.’’ 

Relying on an athletic philosophy that focuses on reaching one’s potential and having fun, MacGowan firmly believes that if players are motivated to reach their potential, then winning will be the by-product. “If they’re having fun while being pushed, then players will improve,’’ he said.

Life lessons can be learned from sports and MacGowan has some that he lists as valuable. “Sports can help players learn to be good teammates and quality leaders,’’ he said. “Athletics also teach how to overcome adversity, to be resilient and accountable. Time management is another great lesson.’’ 

During the last two seasons, the Mohawks won both of their tourney openers, then bowed out of the playoffs in round two. This time around, a sluggish start has turned Millis into a bounce-back team. Next up is the Division 5 playoffs.

The coach and the players very wisely have always focused on one opponent at a time. They’re hoping that approach comes with some staying power in the 2025 postseason.