NORWALK — Rome wasn’t built in a day. Imagine how long it would take to have to rebuild it.
Second-year Brien McMahon softball coach Matt Petrini has the unenviable task of rebuilding the Senators program, but he’s going into his second year taking a minor step in reverse.
Or perhaps it’s a cleaning of the slate, depending upon how you look at it.
After last spring’s 0-19 campaign — the Senators are riding a 22-game losing streak — a handful of players who could have returned in the role of leading performers this season opted to quit instead.
The result is another young team looking to take steps to changing the culture of a once-proud and competitive program.
“We’re going to keep improving, keep getting better, creating a strong team chemistry,” Petrini said.
The McMahon program had 37 players on its roster last season, only five of whom were seniors.
When asked to list his top returning players from a year ago, though, Petrini only delivered three names: captains Lynette Morales, a senior third baseman, and juniors Jess Trujillo and Riley Finn, both outfielders. (Finn can also pitch.)
Ali Mills saw sub-varsity time a year ago and moves up as a sophomore infielder.
In McMahon’s freshman class is there is some talent, especially Aliza Perez, an infield and pitcher.
Other freshmen include Lila Young, Megan Stefanowicz and Julia Bale.
McMahon’s numbers have grown to 40 program-wide, according to athletic director Joe Madaffari, a positive sign despite those who left.
Petrini feels the team’s youth brings a positive attitude to the table, something he calls a team strength.
Beyond that, the team must just grow together on the field and off.
“Team bonding, spending time together on the field, off the field and quality time at practice,” Petrini said when asked how his team’s goals can become a reality.
“And reps, reps, reps,” he added, referring to the practice efforts his team will have to undertake to gain experience..
McMahon lost its top two pitchers from a year ago, but Perez could step in and fill that void along with Finn.
“I need pitching,” Petrini said. “Last year, we struggled in the field, but had the pitching. This year, we have improved our fielding, but pitching will be a struggle.”
McMahon hasn’t made the state tournament since 2013, when it went 10-11, and hasn’t had a winning season since 2006 when the Senators went 15-5.
After taking a step back last season, Petrini & Co. hope to step forward in 2018.
jnash@hearstmediact.com