After becoming the first Division 1 program to win four straight state titles since Bishop Fenwick, Taunton saw Gatorade Player of the Year Sam Lincoln depart for Texas Tech.

So, a step back might be in order for the Tigers in 2025, right? Not likely if Taunton has its say.

The cupboard isn’t exactly bare for coach Michelle Raposo’s team as they return nearly their entire starting lineup from last season.

Stepping into the circle is Georgetown-bound Cate Larson. Behind her is a deep and talented team led by senior shortstop and Providence commit Brooke Aldrich. Talented sophomores Aniyah Bailey and Bella Bourque along with juniors Mia Torres and Gracie Oliveira give Taunton plenty of firepower to work with in search of a return trip to Amherst.

The team they beat in the finals last season, Hockomock League rival King Philip, is also primed to make another run towards Amherst. Seniors Ali Gill, Liv Petrillo and Allie Cecere are set to lead the Warriors again. Junior McCoy Walsh emerged as one of the top pitchers in the division as the season went along.

Lincoln-Sudbury nearly ran the table in the regular season before losing to KP in the quarterfinals. UMass-bound Kelsey Blanchette heads an ultra talented returning group of seniors that are ready for a final kick at the can. Sarah Danielson, Sophie Jorjorian, Ashleigh Lent and Eliana Krasnow also return to power coach Devan Morrison’s squad.

Central Catholic is led by Fairfield-bound catcher Olivia Moeckel along with the pitching tandem of Amelia Ovalles and Chloe Salerno. Seniors Bella Boyer and Ava Perrotta also are back for the Raiders. Peabody is also back to make another run for a title while trying to replace a talented senior class. Junior Lizzie Bettencourt and seniors Caitlin Burke and Jess Steed will lead coach Steve Lomasney’s team.

Bishop Feehan will hitch its wagon to senior pitcher Miley Ramer, a Stonehill commit. BU-bound Maddie Coupal also returns to the lineup after missing last season because of injury. Sophomore pitcher Madi DeLano was a dual threat for Bridgewater-Raynham and returns in the circle to power the Trojans.

Junior Riley Davis and senior Addy Crosby were all Merrimack Valley Conference selections last season and are back for Coach Cait Flanagan’s team. Methuen also will be a force in the Valley, led by senior Bella Madeiros.

Division 2

How do you follow a postseason that saw your team not give up a run and win the first state title in program history? Well, if you’re Walpole coach Rachel Sprague, you run it back with seven returning starters from the lineup that beat Westfield.

Leading the way is senior pitcher Sharlotte Stazinski, the one who crafted those five straight shutouts in the playoffs. Fellow seniors Caroline Doran, Sydney Bissonette, Norah Broderick, Caroline Daley and Brielle Clinton also are back.

Bedford came breathlessly close to belief in the finals a season ago, losing to Walpole in the semis. But with BC bound Alyx Rossi back in the circle, the Buccaneers are ready to make another run. Marblehead also could have faced Walpole in the final, losing to Westfield in a nine-inning semifinal but Tessa Francis and company are back to lead coach Johnny Gold’s Magicians.

Senior pitcher Delaney Moquin and senior third baseman Maddie Bryan power a Silver Lake squad that is senior laden. Somerset Berkley lost in the quarterfinals but with junior Julia Costa powering the Raiders, coach Sally McKinnon’s squad will be a threat again.

Plymouth South ran into Bedford in the Round of 16 last season, but sophomore hurler Kaylee Gendron is back as the Panthers look to take the next step.

Tewksbury will also be a power in the MVC, led by senior Abby Tower and junior Julianne Cappiello. Milton made a run to the elite eight last season and coach Charlie Doane’s team returns plenty of talent, led by Holy Cross commit Victoria Fish.

Notre Dame (Hingham) has plenty of firepower back as well, led by seniors Piper Levin and Colleen Dee.