Revere's Lisa Polsonetti holds down first base for the women's softball team at the University of Massachusetts Boston.
Globe North Sports
A classy sister act boosts UMass
Revere's Lisa Polsonetti holds down first base for the women's softball team at the University of Massachusetts Boston.
The first time she stepped onto a softball field at age 3, Lisa Polsonetti shared the diamond with her older sister, Christina. Eighteen years later, the two siblings from Revere are still together, bat and ball in hand, fueling an 11-5 start for the women’s softball team at the University of Massachusetts Boston.
“Things have been very exciting for the team this year,’’ said Christina, a 5-foot-1 senior centerfielder who is off to a sizzling start at the plate, hitting a team-leading .409 through 16 games.
“We’ve grown into a very strong team. It’s an honor to be able to play with this squad at UMass-Boston.’’
The elder Polsonetti, a 23-year-old captain, has collected 18 hits, including eight doubles, with 11 RBIs and 11 runs.
Lisa, a 5-5 junior who starts at first base, is at .319 with 130 putouts defensively. She registered a school-record 248 putouts last season.
This season has not been an aberration.
Since the Polsonettis first teamed up at UMB in 2009, they have been key contributors. Lisa started all 31 games at catcher as a freshman before moving to first last year. She started 38 games, knocked in 29 runs (second-best total on the team), and slugged a career-best .413.
Christina arrived in 2009 as a second-semester sophomore after attending Southern New Hampshire University and North Shore Community College. She did not play at either school, yet hit .361 in her first season with the Beacons. Last season, she started all 39 games and recorded nine multi-hit games.
According to UMass Boston coach Natalia Ardagna, also a Revere native, both sisters have been invaluable since stepping on campus.
“When they both arrived at UMass Boston, I knew that we had people on the team that took on our coaching philosophies and would contribute greatly to the UMB community,’’ said the third-year coach.
“They have since exceeded my expectations and continue to impress us and the team. Though they are sisters, they respond differently to certain situations. And they seem to always come out on top.’’
Ardagna said that her squad will miss having both sisters on the field together next season.
“Losing Christina next year will definitely leave a hole. But we are fortunate to have Lisa for another year. Coaching them has been a pleasure. They are athletically an asset to our program. Along with that, their personalities, positive demeanor, and tremendous work ethic make them extremely difficult to replace.’’
The sisters have a close rapport, constantly pushing each other to succeed. They play together during the off-season, hit the batting cages with each other, and are even roommates. They insist there is no sibling rivalry.
“It’s so awesome to be able to play on the same team with someone who is your best friend,’’ said Christina.
Lisa agreed, adding that having the support of her older sibling has been invaluable.
“It’s unbelievable to have her here with me,’’ said the younger Polsonetti. “Whenever one of us is down, we’re able to pick the other right up.’’
Following graduation, Christina plans to become an elementary school teacher. Lisa, a criminal justice major, is planning a completely different career path. She wants to work in forensic science.
Ultimately, this season has been filled with their fondest memories, including a pair of unforgettable comeback wins against Framingham State and Salem State. And knowing that this is their last season has made it that much more special.
“It’s really sad,’’ said Lisa about her sister leaving the team at the end of the season. “I’ve never played without her. I will really miss it.’’
Andrew Clark can be reached at andrewclark87@gmail.com. 
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