Hanover Softball Stars Shine Early, Blending Talent and Teamwork

 It’s a blend of senior leadership and rookie spark driving the Hanover High School varsity softball team to an impressive start this season. With seasoned captains Abby Hanna and Noey Giardina leading the charge and freshmen like Abby Keddy and Nora Barrett stepping up early, the Indians are showing the kind of depth and camaraderie that could carry them far.

The senior duo has been dominant since day one. Hanna and Giardina both surpassed 100 career hits before the start of their senior year—a benchmark most players aim to reach by graduation. Through their junior seasons, Hanna had 104 hits and was batting .505 with eight home runs and 103 RBIs. Giardina had 102 hits, a .455 average, seven home runs, and 92 RBIs.

And this season, they’ve picked up right where they left off. In just five games, Hanna is batting .667 with 12 hits, including three home runs and 15 RBIs. Giardina is hitting .579 with 11 hits, six stolen bases, and 10 runs scored.

But beyond the stats, it’s their leadership that sets them apart.

“We keep each other motivated by bringing each other’s spirits up,” Hanna said. “I know all my teammates are different. Some want help and correction, some need a push, and others just need a pat on the back.”

Giardina agrees. “I try to stay positive and give reassurance whenever someone strikes out or makes an error,” she said. “I want everyone to know it's going to be okay.”

Their mental approach extends to high-pressure moments as well. “When I’m in a big spot, I tell myself it’s just another at-bat,” Hanna said. “I stick to my mechanics and try to drive the ball to a gap.” Giardina, who patrols shortstop, is always thinking ahead. “It depends on the outs and how close the game is,” she said. “If the ball is up the middle, I try for a double play. If it’s on my left, I go to third.”

The future of Hanover softball looks bright too, with freshmen Abby Keddy and Nora Barrett making an immediate impact on the right side of the infield. Both play year-round and each recorded hits in their varsity debuts. Through five games, Keddy is batting .421 with eight hits, including a double and a triple, and has scored seven runs. Barrett is hitting .429 with nine hits, six RBIs, and 11 runs scored.

The two have also brought energy and poise well beyond their years.

“Together as a team, we stay up and cheer for each other, whether it’s a good hit or picking someone up after a mistake,” said Barrett. “If I make an error, I just say to myself, ‘I want the next ball to come to me.’”

Keddy added, “When I’m under pressure at the plate, I just try to have confidence and give my best swing—even if I swing and miss.”

Each player is locked into improving. Giardina has grown more confident in her backhand plays and is working on hitting inside pitches. Barrett has become a more consistent fielder but is focusing on adjusting to different pitch speeds. Hanna has refined her approach at the plate, saying, “Less is more,” while aiming to improve her throwing mechanics. And Keddy is honing her communication on the field and going after tough pop flies.

“All four girls, even though three grades separate them, are very knowledgeable of the game they love,” said head coach Joe Messina. “They are a pleasure to coach and watch improve with each game and practice.”

With talent, chemistry, and a shared passion for the sport, Hanover’s softball team isn’t just winning—they’re building something special.