After coming close the last two years, Norton softball plans ‘to go all the way’ in Division 3

Norton (12-1), ranked 11th in this week’s Globe Top 20, sits atop the MIAA Division 3 power rankings released Tuesday.

Danubio and classmate Avery Tinkham are both four-year varsity players and two-year captains.

“It gives us a great opportunity to help our teammates, be there for our team, and step up when needed,” Tinkham said.

“We had great role models coming up as eighth graders, with the five-year gap [to the seniors], so you learn a lot and just soak up all of the things that they’re teaching us.”

“Being young captains is obviously unique, but it’s been a great learning experience to be there for my teammates in a bigger way,” Danubio added. “I learned a lot, and I’m still learning. Our goal is to help this team go as far as we can.”

Tinkham is hitting a team-high .571 with 10 extra-base hits. Making all 13 starts in the circle, Danubio carries a 1.20 ERA with 128 strikeouts. At the plate, she’s hit .490 with three home runs.

“The two of them just really set the tone,” Norton coach Wade Lizotte said. “They’re my mouthpiece out there, and these kids are really smart, they’re kind, they look out for one another. It’s a special group.”

A strong group of underclassman has been instrumental in their success. Sophomore infielders Avery Soares and Gabby Rodriguez, as well as junior catcher Lucy Perachio, are getting it done at the plate and in the field.

Soares paces the Lancers in RBIs (21), Rodriguez ranks second in batting average (.520), and Perachio has a .979 fielding percentage behind the plate while calling pitches for Danubio.

With the calendar turning from April to May, and the tournament looming in June, what is different?

“In past years, we were good teammates. This year, we’re a family,” Danubio said.

“We have each other’s backs on and off the field . . . It’s more than just, ‘Oh, that’s my first baseman.’ No, that’s my teammate, that’s my family.”

Tinkham said the players are ”a lot more comfortable. Everyone’s able to just relax and that’s a good thing to have in those stressful situations.”

As far as actually getting there, this group will do whatever it takes.

“Usually when you’re in high school, by the time you notice you’re not satisfied, it’s too late and you’re graduating,” Lizotte said.

“So whatever we have to do to get to the next level, let’s make sure we’re all on board and working as hard as we can to get to the next level.”

Matchups with perennial contenders such as Joseph Case and Abington down the stretch — as well as earlier matchups against Attleboro and Hopkinton, are good preparation for the postseason.

“This group wants to be challenged,” Lizotte noted.

“When we get to those games [down the stretch], that’s your reward to see how you measure up against some of the top teams in the area. These girls are up for that challenge.”

▪ What was Attleboro’s approach in advance of Monday’s historic victory over Hockomock rival King Philip? Keep it simple.

The result? A 15-13 victory for No. 13 Attleboro (11-2) over fourth-ranked KP, the first in program history.

At first, coach Mark Homer went in with a calming attitude, trying to make the contest feel as normal as possible.

“This is just another game,” said Homer. “Don’t put too much into this game. Just play the game. Go up there, compete, go up there with an attitude.”

Over the years, he’s tried every tactic in the book. Nothing got his group over the line. He relishes the chance to compete against the best. Once the game got rolling, that swagger developed.

“They were having fun in a game that they’d never had fun in before,” said Homer. “They found that mojo.”

▪ Another week, another plethora of milestones. Dighton-Rehoboth sophomore Edy Latour crossed the 200-strikeout mark and Southeastern senior Rebecca Hornung broke 100 for the season. Beverly sophomore Lidia Miedema surpassed 100 strikeouts for her career. Also for the Falcons, senior Haleigh Kelley notched her 100th career RBI.

Wednesday, No. 8 Joseph Case at No. 16 Bridgewater-Raynham, 4 p.m. — In a clash of two traditionally strong programs, the reigning Division 4 champion Cardinals battle senior Olivia Roy and the Trojans in an intriguing nonleague matchup. They complete the home-and-home Saturday in Swansea.

Friday, No. 13 Attleboro at No. 1 Taunton, 6:30 p.m. — Fresh off the program’s first win over King Philip, senior third baseman Maddie Moran and the Bombardiers look to continue their momentum against top-ranked Taunton.

Saturday, No. 4 King Philip at No. 7 Central Catholic, noon — Two of the strongest programs in Division 1 go toe-to-toe. Junior ace McCoy Walsh and the Warriors venture north to the Merrimack Valley.

Saturday, No. 2 Silver Lake at No. 6 Lincoln-Sudbury, 1 p.m. — Silver Lake made a statement with a dominant 12-0 victory on April 25 in Kingston. Senior hurler Kelsey Blanchette and the Warriors look to even the score.

Monday, No. 3 Dighton-Rehoboth at No. 15 Apponequet, 4 p.m. — D-R looks to keep control in the South Coast Conference title race. In the first meeting on April 23, the Falcons prevailed, 3-0.

Correspondent Cam Kerry contributed to this story.

Joe Eachus can be reached at joseph.eachus@globe.com. Follow him @joeeachus_.