Page 10 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2020 Softball team members are players on the mound, yet family at home By Tara Vocino T he Everett Tide 18u girls’ softball team has four sets of sisters, some of whom are twins, on the same team, and they shared what that is like on Saturday afternoon at Glendale Park. First baseman Francesca Maiuri (#21), 17, and catcher Gabriella Maiuri (#99), 13, play together, where their mother, Michele, is head coach. “On the field, she’s not my sister,” Gabriella Maiuri said. “She’s just another teammate to me, and we have to focus on our game.” Their mother, Michele, said she has to remain unbiased and can’t favor her children. “I have no problem pulling them out of the game,” Michele said. “I don’t treat them any differently.” Francesca Maiuri said that when she does get pulled out it’s for the betterment of the team, adding that their mother has a “tough love” demeanor and that it’s always an interesting ride home. The Paynes, who have a father as a coach, aren’t competitive. “We never played together before, so it’s something to bond over,” outfielder Lauren Payne (#33) said. Assistant Coach Michael Payne, who is their father, said they help each other out since Hailey, 15, is four years younger. “Lauren, 19, would have been at Emmanuel College, but COVID-19 worked in our favor so they could play together,” Michael Payne said. (Advocate photos by Tara Vocino) During Saturday’s afternoon game at Glendale Park, first baseman Francesca Maiuri, 17, Head Coach Michele Maiuri and catcher Gabriella Maiuri, 13, share what it’s like to have a mother as head coach. Sisters Francesca (#21) and Gabriella Maiuri (#99) said they have to put their differences aside when on the mound. The Maiuri family shared what it’s like to play on the same team. Pitcher Hailey Payne (#3), Assistant Coach and proud dad Michael Payne and outfielder Lauren Payne (#33). Siblings and twins display something they have in common – their last name. (Advocate photos by Tara Vocino)
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