The good news is that the Barrington High School softball team is loaded with young, talented players. It’s also one of the challenges for the team.

“They’re still in the process of learning the game, and the game is just faster for them,” said Barrington Coach Sandy Gorham. “They’re making strides. They’re doing a good job.

“As I told the kids, playing travel ball against girls your own age is a lot different than playing high school ball.”

The Eagles have opened the Division II season with a 3-5 record. Gorham said his team has pulled out victories in some close games, but also come up short a few times. 

Recently, Barrington squared off against Westerly. One bad inning against the Bulldogs spelled trouble for the Eagles, as they dropped an 11-1 decision.

“I think we’re a lot better than we showed” against Westerly, Gorham said. 

Gorham said he has five freshmen in his starting lineup. Isys Dunphy starts at first base and is one of the team’s top hitters.

“She’s doing outstanding,” Gorham said. “She’s batting .667. She’s probably one of the purest hitters. I can’t remember a girl I’ve coached who hits the ball like that. It’s natural. She hits the ball hard. She has great bat speed through the strike zone. She’s a very talented player.”

Kendall Fisher is one of two freshmen who pitch for the Eagles; Morgan Martin is the other. When they’re not pitching, Fisher and Martin take turns in the outfield. 

“These kids play travel ball. They have good instincts for the game. I think they’re doing a great job,” Gorham said. 

Ruby Ciummo plays centerfield for the Eagles. 

“She’s very good, very talented,” Gorham said. “These girls are a cut above.”

Gorham said Ariana Renzi plays third base for the Eagles. He said she also plays a little bit in the outfield. 

Gorham said his team also has a lot of talented upperclassmen. He said Michaela Baer is a senior shortstop who’s batting .466. Gorham said Baer loves the game and provides great leadership for the rest of the team. 

Other seniors are Grace Senechal at second base, and Audrey Concannon, at catcher. 

“She (Concannon) actually calls the pitches. She has a great feel for the game. She blocks the ball very, very well. She can throw a strike to second base from her knees,” Gorham said. 

Other seniors include Ryan Barney, Katie Brum, Sarah Jagelar, Taylor DeFreitas and Emma Levin. Morgan Perry and Ace McCoy, both juniors, are solid contributors, Gorham said. 

“Ace, I call her my Swiss Army knife,” Gorham said, referring to her ability to play any position. 

Gorham said his team has great chemistry, and if they’re able to grab a few more wins in the second half of the season they might have a chance at making the playoffs.