THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2020 Page 11 Playing softball together gives Everett family a higher purpose By Tara Vocino A t Glendale Park on Saturday afternoon, identical twins shared the pros and cons of playing on the Everett Tide 14U B girls’ softball game together. First baseman Riley Straccia (#12) and shortstop/pitcher Ally Straccia (#14), of Everett, share their father, Vincent, as Assistant Coach. “I want my girls to know that they play for a higher purpose, not just about them,” Vincent Straccia said. “I want them to be the best version of themselves, and sometimes, I take it too far.” Riley Straccia said having her twin on the team makes her more comfortable and that they like to hit each other’s helmets and make each other laugh. She added that their proud father is harder on them than the rest of the players. “We’re very competitive,” Vincent Straccia said. “It’s great to be a part of something with a common goal.” Ally Straccia said their competitive spirit pushes them to try to score the most home runs during games. Born on April 2, 2006, at 3 and 5 pounds within nine minutes of each other, the twins have always been close since playing T-ball together at age six. —Tara Vocino may be reached at printjournalist1@gmail.com. Shortstop/pitcher Ally Straccia (#14) and first baseman Riley Straccia (#12) are shown with their Assistant Coach and proud father Vincent Straccia, who said “I want my girls to know that they play for a higher purpose, not just about them.” (Advocate photo by Tara Vocino) Everett Tide identical and fraternal twins share what it’s like to play together By Tara Vocino T wo sets of Everett Crimson Tide girls’ softball 18u twin sisters shared what it ’s like to play together during Saturday’s game at Glendale Park. Identical twins catcher Alyssa Bessler (#4) and centerfielder/outfielder Macayla Bessler (#12) have been confusing teammates with who is who since T-ball at age six. “There’s never a dull moment,” Head Coach Michele Maiuri said. “Out on the field, we’re like a bunch of sisters, like we’re all related.” However, the sisters said it’s difficult not to be competitive since they play different positions. “When one of us isn’t doing well on the field, we fight,” Alyssa Bessler, 18, said. “We sometimes bring it home during the car ride.” Alyssa said she’s outgoing while Macayla is shy. They are cherishing the time that they have together, as they plan to part ways soon. Alyssa intends to major in pre-medicine at Plymouth State University while EVERETT TIDE | SEE PAGE 16 Identical twins catcher Alyssa Bessler (#4) and centerfielder/outfielder Macayla Bessler (#12) shared what it’s like to play together on the Everett Tide 18U girls’ softball team. Fraternal twins outfielder Kyleigh Dalton (#7) and third baseman Kirby Dalton (#1) said they’re competitive on the mound. Front row, left to right: coach Jennifer Martino, catcher Gabriella Maiuri (#99), catcher Alyssa Bessler (#4), outfielder Macayla Bessler (#12), third baseman Kirby Dalton (#1) and Head Coach Michele Maiuri. Back row, left to right: coach Michael Payne, outfielder Lauren Payne (#33), pitcher Hailey Payne (#3), first baseman Meredith Morris (#28), first baseman Francesca Maiuri (#21), pitcher Cat Schena (#22), second baseman Shani Headley (#5), outfielder Kyleigh Dalton (#7), infielder Isabella Nardella (#23), outfielder Olivia Parziale (#13) and coach Tracy Saraceni. (Advocate photos by Tara Vocino)
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