By KEN HAMWEY

Staff Sports Writer

Brenna Keefe has set three goals for her Natick High softball team and they all seem like they’re realistic to achieve. 

“Our first objective is to solidify team chemistry,’’ she said. “Our second goal is to contend for the Bay State Conference’s Carey Division title, and our third goal is to qualify for a berth in the Division 1 state tourney.’’

The 31-year-old Keefe, who’s in his third season as the Redhawks coach, is acutely aware that her first goal — promoting and building team chemistry — is crucial if Natick hopes to battle for the division championship and be eligible for post-season play.

“We lost six seniors from last year’s team,’’ Keefe noted. “But, we’ve got seven returnees, five of whom are starters. We have some inexperience but what I want is for the girls to understand what’s required to progress and grow, not just for themselves, but also for the team.’’

Keefe, whose squad was 10-11 last season, has guided the Redhawks to a pair of playoff berths. Last year, NHS defeated Medford in its opener then lost to Central Catholic. Natick may have some inexperience but its team strengths are impressive.

“Our players have a high softball IQ, they’re athletic and skilled,’’ said Keefe. “We also have a coachable group that’s versatile. Our hitting and fielding are assets but we need to build our pitching depth. Our returnees are experienced but our staff will focus on helping new players navigate their athletic journey.’’

At Local Town Pages deadline, the Redhawks had a 2-2 record.

Natick’s three captains are not only top-notch leaders, but also high-caliber competitors who get results. They include senior Jayme Kiley (centerfielder) and juniors Katie McMahon (shortstop) and Liesl Niedermeyer (first base, third base). Kiley hit .470 last year and had 31 putouts; McMahon hit .471, had three home runs and knocked in 30 runs; and Niedermeyer hit .354 and stole nine bases.

After the team’s first four games, the trio has amassed some incredible hitting stats. McMahon was hitting .727, Niedermeyer had a .692 average, and Kiley’s batting average was .615.

“Jayme is a strong, power hitter,’’ Keefe said. “A great fielder, she’s got good range and an incredible arm. She’s a two-time captain who leads by example and by being communicate and supportive. A four-year veteran, she’ll be playing for Keene State (N.H.) next year.’’

McMahon also leads by example and is very supportive of her teammates. “Katie is a power hitter who’s fast in the field,’’ Keefe said. “A smooth fielder, she makes difficult plays,  reads the field well and has very good instincts.’’

Niedermeyer, who’s fielding average was .871 last year, is labeled “a quiet leader,’’ by her coach. “Liesl is a spray hitter who’s versatile, able to play either first base or third base,’’ Keefe said. “A consistent fielder, she’s quick and has confidence at the plate and in the field.’’ 

Junior Caitlyn Russell is Natick’s top pitcher, compiling an 8-3 record last year with an earned-run average of 4.26. A right-hander, she struck out 102 batters last year, and had 100 strikeouts as a freshman playing for the jayvees. Through four games this season, Russell had two wins and 22 strikeouts in 19 innings.

“Caitlyn relies on a fastball, change-up, curve and a riser, Keefe said. “Consistent, dedicated and eager to improve, her velocity reached 58 mph last year. Her control is good, throwing most fastballs and change-ups.’’

Senior Cami Smith patrols right field. “Cami is incredibly fast,’’ Keefe said. “A smart base-runner, she’s a sneaky bunter. A good hitter, she had a .346 batting average last year. A fine fielder, she’s got good range and a strong arm.’’

Sophomore Juliette Salvi played second base last year and got some experience catching. In 20 innings behind the plate, she had only two passed balls.

“Juliette played on the varsity as a freshman,’’ Keefe noted. “She had a batting average of .333, scored 13 runs and knocked in 12. Our starting catcher now, she blocks the plate effectively, is strong on defense and has a strong arm throwing out runners at second base. Her confidence has grown as a catcher and she’s a calming influence for our pitchers.’’

Keefe is relying on coachable, dedicated freshmen and sophomores who played on the junior varsity last year to round out her lineup.

Four assistant coaches comprise Keefe’s staff — varsity aides Roni Pitts and Lucia Cavacini (pitchers and catchers), jayvee coach Lynne Tartaglia and her assistant (Jeff Wright). “They’re all hard-working, they’re dedicated and passionate about softball,’’ Keefe emphasized. 

Keefe’s athletic philosophy is a combination of being competitive with a desire to win, to reach one’s potential and to have fun. She also hopes that a positive atmosphere will help her players learn valuable life lessons during their varsity careers. “Life lesson that can be learned from sports are how to overcome adversity, to be resilient, to set goals, to be good teammates and leaders and to accept responsibility and accountability,’’ she noted.

If Natick’s team chemistry meshes quickly, then the season should be successful with a tournament berth secured. And, Brenna Keefe no doubt would be delighted to see her forces make it three tourney appearance in a row.