There was a huge question mark clouding the GHS Varsity Softball team’s future coming into the 2025 season; who was ready to take the reins as the next starting pitcher? For the past few years, Gloucester had multiple pitchers who controlled the circle with poise and power. Star hurler Cameron Carroll was the latest to graduate, leaving a large hole in the Fishermen’s defense.
It was a chilly March afternoon when Gloucester was set to open their season against St.Mary’s. The Spartans were ranked 17th in the Boston Globe’s Top 20 Softball Poll, comprised of Massachusetts teams across every division — not just the Spartan’s shared division with the Fishermen.
The Fishermen would go on to win that matchup, effectively opening their season with a win, catapulting themselves within the MIAA Power Rankings, and knocking St.Mary’s out of the Boston Globe’s poll — a list that the Spartans would never enter again that season.
The main reason for Gloucester’s success against their out-of-conference foes?
The answer is freshman Abby Noble. In her first career start at the high school level, she sat down seven Spartans at the dish while allowing just three hits across a complete 7-inning game.
That moment wasn’t just a snapshot of Noble’s composure under pressure — it was a glimpse into why she’s become one of the most talked-about underclassmen in Gloucester High athletics.
Noble collected an outstanding 203 strikeouts in an area-leading 142 innings on the mound. Finishing second on the North Shore strikeout leaderboard, the freshman was ranked behind only Tessa Francis, the 2025 NEC Player of the Year. With a 2.07 ERA, she ranked 4th among other top North Shore hurlers.
Serving as Gloucester’s main pitcher, Noble had multiple memorable starts on the mound. In a 2-0 extra innings victory over Marblehead, the hurler pitched a no-hitter against one of the best lineups in the NEC. The freshman also pitched a no-hitter in the Division 3 Sweet 16 playoffs, striking out eleven batters and walking three. Noble also brought a no-hitter into extra innings during the Elite 8, where the Fishermen ultimately fell 1-0 to the eventual state champion Falcons.
Noble was awarded the NEC All-Conference award, alongside teammate Emma Carrapichosa. In addition, she was a Gloucester Times All-Star and earned the team’s Rookie of the Year award.
Going into her sophomore year this fall, the Fishermen softball team can count on Abby Noble to continue the dominance she provided in her rookie campaign.
BRAYDEN FRANCIS – BASEBALL
Brayden Francis has been awarded Male Student Athlete of the Spring for his outstanding performance on the baseball diamond all season long.
The Endicott College commit was a big factor in helping the GHS Varsity Baseball team secure the #10 spot in the Division 3 tournament and a final record of 20-2.
Francis boasted a team-high 70 strikeouts on the bump, allowing just 4 earned runs in 51 innings pitched. Along with his stellar performance on the mound, the senior hurler also had 22 hits in 22 games played.
Francis was named as the NEC’s Most Valuable Player, the first GHS player to be named since 2014.
When asked about Brayden, head baseball coach Rory Gentile said, “Brayden is the epitome of the student-athlete. He takes pride in maintaining a positive image in the school community, all while being a fierce competitor on the field. The season he put together on the mound this year ranks up there with some of the best that GHS has seen.”
Francis will be off to play college baseball at Endicott College in the fall. Congratulations to Brayden Francis on an outstanding season and high school career.
The Gillnetter’s Spring All-Performer Team
New to The Gillnetter this year, the Spring All-Performer Team recognizes the top athletes from the 2025 spring season across all sports. Selections were made based on athletic performance and overall impact within their team, as well as consideration of the number of Gillnetter Student-Athlete or Performer of the Week honors earned throughout the season.
Aleena Brown is a junior and the sports editor of The Gillnetter. In her third year as a part of The Gillnetter, Aleena writes about everything (mostly sports). She’s on the Varsity Softball, Track, and Field Hockey teams. Aleena currently serves as DECA President, as well as being a member of NHS, NAHS, STUCO, and more. When she’s not serving bowls at Chipotle, she spends her time photographing GHS sporting events, shopping, and writing poems. You can contact her with story ideas, questions, and comments at [email protected].
Cole Mosley-Wynn is a Sophomore and a first year staff writer for The Gillnetter. He is a 3 sport athlete at GHS who plays Football, Basketball, and Baseball. He also participates in Boxing and Rowing outside of school. Cole enjoys watching, writing about, and analyzing sports games. You can reach out to him with comments, questions and story ideas at [email protected]
Grace is a junior at Gloucester High School. She is the varsity captain of the cross country and track teams. She is an honors student. She enjoys listening to music, reading, and keeping active. She has won awards in math and English. You can contact her at [email protected]
