By Alaina Martin
June 7, 2022
Freshman Mary Stronach honors her senior teammate Giulianna DeSimone on Senior Night.
The Dedham High Varsity Softball team recognized its two seniors after their 6-2 loss to Millis High School on May 23rd.
The Marauders fought hard and put in full effort throughout the entire seven innings. Although they were not able to pull off a win, the girls were still able to make key plays and play a strong, competitive game.
A ceremony was held following the game that included a speech from the coaches and the two seniors receiving flowers and gifts from their teammates.
Before the game, the team's parents along with the players decorated the home bench in honor of the two seniors. They then cheered them on as they ran to their positions. The team let them take a moment to take it all in before the rest of the team took the field to begin the first inning.
Captain and second baseman Taylor Peckham has been on the team since her freshman year. She is, by far, the player with the most grit. She is never afraid to get dirty and is constantly putting herself in harm's way to make plays. Every teammate is well aware of Taylor’s amazing plays over the years, especially the astounding play she made in a tournament game during her freshman season.
Peckham has been playing softball since she was seven years-old and has played on a variety of teams throughout the years. After every game, practice, and play, she continues to improve. When Peckham was asked how she felt about the season, she said, “This has been one of my favorite seasons ever. I love all of the girls and they are making my last season the best one yet.”
Captain Giulianna DeSimone has been with the DHS varsity softball team since her freshman year. Throughout these years, she has shown that she deserves a spot on the field and continuously makes plays no matter what position she is playing. She has a tremendous amount of heart and continuously makes practices and games fun for all her teammates.
DeSimone began playing softball at the age of eight. She played on multiple teams, spanning from Dedham Girls Softball League to club teams. When she was asked how she felt about the season being over, she stated, “I’m very sad about the season almost being over. I’ve played with all these girls for so long and it's very sad for me to leave them. I’ve had so much fun.”
The team celebrated their two seniors by lining up on the bases by grade. Desimone and Peckham jogged to first base and were welcomed by confetti guns and their favorite candies given to them by the freshman players. They then continued to second base, where they were greeted by the sophomore players and their presents. They met the junior players at third base, where they were given their last gift. Lastly, they ran back to home plate, where they were welcomed by their families and took pictures. The night ended with the team eating cupcakes.
When the team was asked how they felt about the seniors this year, the team said that the captains have made this season not only fun, but they have made it memorable. They made it so easy for the underclassman to get comfortable with the team throughout the season. They all expressed their sadness at losing these seniors but are grateful for the time they spent as teammates.
Since Senior Night, the DHS softball team have become TVL Champions. They play their second tournament game today.
Meet the Writer!
Meet the Writer!
Alaina Martin, class of 2025, is a staff writer for the Dedham Mirror. She also competes as a Marauder on the field hockey, hockey, and softball teams. She enjoys spending time with her family, hanging out with friends, and going on vacations.
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