LOCAL AREA FRESHMAN SOFTBALL STARS MAKING D1 COLLEGE SOFTBALL IMPACT:
The start of the College Softball season for Division 1 has recently begun and 3 local area former high school stars and now playing in a Division 1 college have all made an impact in the early season. Former Taunton High School State Champion Pitcher – Catherine Larson who now plays at Georgetown University earned her first win of the season in the circle. Catherine Larson pitched a complete game shutout in a 7-0 win against Iona University on February 21, 2026. Catherine Larson was simply stellar as she pitched all 7 innings, struck out 11 batters, allowed only 1 walk, gave up only 2 hits and did not allow a run or earned run.
Gabriella “Bella” Nugent who starred at Somerset-Berkley High School for 3 years and one year at Tabor Academy in Marion, MA for 1 year is now a Freshman at Holy Cross on the softball team for the Crusaders. During season opening weekend Gabriella Nugent had quite a debut as she hit a home run in her very first at bat in her collegiate career on February 20, 2026, against South Carolina Upstate and followed that up by hitting 2 more home runs in a single game against Wofford College on February 21, 2026. Bella currently leads the team with 3 home runs and 3 runs batted in with 4 hits (3 home runs, 1 double) in 6 at bats and also leads the team with a .667 batting average.
Emma Horrocks, a former standout star for state champions Dighton-Rehoboth and now a Freshman at Holy Cross, made her first college game with an individual and team impact. Emma reached base due to a fielding error in her first collegiate at bat against Harvard University on February 20, 2026, and then scored the first team run of the season for Holy Cross. Emma Horrocks played a solid game on defense as the catcher in opening weekend playing in 3 games and starting 2 of them.
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Georgetown Softball is rallying for support — and we need YOU! We're aiming to raise $20,000 to help our student-athletes grow on and off the field. Every gift, big or small, brings us closer to our goal. #RallyOurHoyas#HoyaSaxa
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I had the wonderful opportunity to talk to an amazing group of girls, share my experiences, and answer questions about softball. I’m so glad I got the chance to meet with these lovely ladies and spread my knowledge of the sport! @tauntonsoftball@LottiRhode@HoyaSoftball
This past travel ball season has been an amazing end to my summer. I loved playing with @LottiRhode and the team truly made my last season worthwhile. Thank you to the coaches and players in the Thunder Organization. I look forward to seeing everyone grow in college!