Kali Magane, Ashley Hession and Christa Wagner have a lot in common.
They all play softball and they play for King Philip Regional, one of the premier programs in the state. They’re all four-year veterans, they’re captains and have been Hockomock League all-stars. And, after they graduate, they’ll all be playing on scholarships at Division 1 colleges. Magane will compete at Boston University, Hession is heading for St. Joseph’s of Philadelphia and Wagner will play at Penn State.
Their coach, Norm Beauchemin, not only admires the trio for their softball talents, but he’s also a big fan of their strong character and their leadership ability.
“They all have passion for softball and they’re driven by a desire to win,’’ Beauchemin said. “They’re very supportive of their teammates, and when they’re down, the trio will lift them up. Their work ethic in the off-season is commendable and I consider them tops at their positions.’’
Following is a capsule look at the three Warriors as they discuss their futures, their highlights and their goals for their final campaign of interscholastic softball.
Kali Magane
Boston University gets a gem in Magane, a 5-foot-3 hurler whose junior year statistics are off the charts. She led the Warriors with a 14-1 record, an E.R.A. of 0.28, a batting average of .410 and a team-leading 18 RBIs. She struck out 159 hitters and also connected on three home runs.
Relying on an assortment of pitches that include a curve, riser, change-up and a drop, the right-handed Magane, who started as a sophomore, has thrown two no-hitters and one perfect game.
“The perfect game came against Attleboro and the no-hitters were against Attleboro and North Attleboro,’’ she said. “Those games rank as top thrills but being selected as a Boston Globe all-scholastic also rates highly. I’m pleased that I’ve been able to improve every season and it’s been humbling to be part of King Philip’s strong tradition in softball.’’
A two-time National Honor Society student, Magane, who is undecided on her major, chose BU because of its top-notch academic and athletic programs. “I really like the city and I was impressed with coach Ashley Waters. She indicated that if I work hard, I can gain a spot in the rotation and get playing time as a freshman.’’
Magane, whose goal for her final season at KP is to win the sectional tourney and advance in the state playoffs, has a variety of strengths. “I try to play smart,’’ she said. “Knowing how to handle key situations is a priority. I work to stay calm and to keep hitters off balance. Where I can improve is to get stronger and faster and to have more stamina and endurance.’’
Magane, who lives in Wrentham, knows that playing Division 1 college softball will involve a major transition but she’s up to the task. “The key will be to handle all academic challenges, be responsible, perform at a high level and be aware of time management,’’ she emphasized.
Ashley Hession
A 5-foot-4 sparkplug, Hession, who started at shortstop as a freshman, has fulfilled her dream of playing college softball at a Division 1 school. She chose St. Joseph’s of Philadelphia for a variety of reasons.
“I loved the campus, it has a strong academic reputation and I’d admired coach Terri Adams and the players I met,’’ Hession said. “I was told that shortstop is a position that’s up for grabs and that if I prove myself, I’ve got a good chance to play a lot.’’
Beauchemin wasted no time installing Hession as his starter on day one of her freshman year. “She’s a whiz kid on defense,’’ he said.
“Playing defense is definitely my strength,’’ Hession noted. “My arm is strong and I’d rate my range as good. Where I can improve is on my hitting. The coaches at St. Joseph’s want me to focus on my swing and using my body more to be a good contact hitter. I know that’s the main transition I have to make at the college level.’’
In spite of Hession’s offensive concerns, she still hit .333, cracked three homers and had 17 RBIs. Her on-base percentage was .450.
Advancing as far in the tourney as possible remains Hession’s No. 1 goal in her final year at KP. And, she’d like to see a different result than last year’s 7-6 loss in 11 innings to Silver Lake in the south sectional semifinals.
“That was disappointing but that game is very memorable,’’ she emphasized. “We showed lots of grit, we worked hard and we fought till the end. I had a good effort on defense. Since I’ve been at KP, it’s been a thrill and it’s been enjoyable to be with teammates who are quality people. Our team chemistry and close-knit nature are tremendous.’’
Showing plenty of individual grit, Hession bounced back nicely from a broken kneecap and torn ligaments suffered in an AAU game in the fall of her junior year. An honor-roll student, Hession, who resides in Plainville, plans to major in special education.
Christa Wagner
Wagner’s two-run home run in the tourney’s second round enabled KP to defeat Norwood, 2-1, and advance to the sectional semifinals last year. She rates that game as her best but her top thrill as a Warrior involves KP’s phenomenal tradition in the sport.
“Just being a part of the school’s softball tradition is a thrill,’’ said Wager, a 5-foot-9 centerfielder who’ll be striving to earn playing time at Penn State. “As a captain, I’m proud to be involved in the success we’ve had. I enjoy the spirit we have and the great teammates I work with.’’
Speed is Wagner’s calling card and the numbers she compiled as a junior are directly linked to her pace. She hit .500, scored 26 runs, stole 14 bases, had seven triples and drove in 15 runs.
“My speed enables me to chase down a fly ball quickly,’’ Wagner said. “I’d rate my arm as strong and I can hit. Where I have to be better is my mental approach. I also need to be more consistent and to build confidence. At Penn State, the transition will involve adapting to a new life and adjusting to all the responsibilities. Hitting is what I’ll work on in college because it’s such a big jump.’’
An honor-roll student, Wagner chose the Nittany Lions for several reasons. She likes the academic atmosphere, the size of the university and the coaching staff. “Amanda Lehotak is a good coach,’’ Wagner said. “When I visited, I liked all the activity that seems to be so visible on campus. I was told the outfield positions are available for those who prove themselves.’’
Wagner, who lives in Plainville, also competed for four years in indoor track, running the 55, the 300 and the relays.
“My goal in my final season at KP is for us to play hard, stay united and advance deep into the tourney,’’ Wagner noted. “I want us to be better than last year and hopefully that means winning the sectional and getting into the state playoffs.’’