After all the snow and sleet late in the year, it seems as though the grounds are finally going to stay clear, and the high school varsity softball teams are ready to prove how strong the county teams are. Many of the teams have already competed in games, either at home or away.
Whatever the weather may be from here on out, these local teams promise to have some exciting games in store for family and friends.
Whatever the weather may be from here on out, these local teams promise to have some exciting games in store for family and friends.
Presque Isle
The Presque Isle High School varsity softball team has already traveled downstate to compete against Mount Desert Island, on April 21. The PI team showed MDI that even though their practices were mostly restricted to the gymnasium, they were still prepared and ready to go the distance. The Lady Wildcats won both games, with a score of 12-9 in the first and 11-9 in the second.
Coach Alan Curtis and Assistant Coach Mark White are optimistic about this year’s team. Last year, the girls finished with a record of 10-6 and were ninth in the standings overall.
“The teams in our conference were all very competitive last year,” said Curtis. “The majority of all games played were low scoring and close, and our games were reflective of the league. We always felt that we had a good chance of winning every time we played.”
Curtis and White lost five seniors last year: Katie Delong, a strong shortstop named to All-PVC; Katie Moody, catcher, with an average of .385; Heather Richards, first baseman, with an average of .330; Megan Pinette, fourth baseman, with an average of .240; and Beth Michaud, outfielder, with an average of .285.
Starters for this season may include: Angela Norsworthy, senior, pitcher and shortstop; Chelsea Glovins, senior, second baseman, with an average of .295; Allisen Donovan, junior, outfielder, with an average of .260; and Allison Young, sophomore, catcher and outfielder, with an average of .305.
“We have some big shoes to fill with the departure of the five seniors, both defensively and offensively. Katie Delong has led our team in hitting, on base percentage, runs scored, stolen bases, and total bases for the past several years. All the seniors that graduated were good hitters and hit in the top half of the order,” said Curtis.
Norsworthy and Krista Coffin, a freshman, will both be pitching right-handed for this year’s team.
Other players on the team include: Molly Hamel, senior, as catcher, first baseman, and outfielder; Janna Clukey, senior, in the outfield; Melissa McGary, junior, at shortstop and second base; Caroline Freeman, junior, at first and third base; Emilee Currie, sophomore, shortstop and outfield; Kayla Legassie, sophomore, in the outfield; Keisha Ward, junior, first baseman; Tiffany Martin, junior, catcher and outfielder; Krista Coffin, freshman, pitcher and first baseman; and Jody Buckley, freshman, at second and third base and outfield.
The manager for the team is Darryl-Ann Girardin.
“We had a very good turnout this spring,” said Curtis. “Both [White] and I have 14 players on the varsity [team]. As with any team, staying healthy, having a full squad for games (the number of conflicts is astounding in the spring), along with some decent weather, will go a long ways to helping us find success. Our pitching should be strong; Angela had some outstanding games last year and looks even stronger this year.”
The Presque Isle High School varsity softball team has already traveled downstate to compete against Mount Desert Island, on April 21. The PI team showed MDI that even though their practices were mostly restricted to the gymnasium, they were still prepared and ready to go the distance. The Lady Wildcats won both games, with a score of 12-9 in the first and 11-9 in the second.
Coach Alan Curtis and Assistant Coach Mark White are optimistic about this year’s team. Last year, the girls finished with a record of 10-6 and were ninth in the standings overall.
“The teams in our conference were all very competitive last year,” said Curtis. “The majority of all games played were low scoring and close, and our games were reflective of the league. We always felt that we had a good chance of winning every time we played.”
Curtis and White lost five seniors last year: Katie Delong, a strong shortstop named to All-PVC; Katie Moody, catcher, with an average of .385; Heather Richards, first baseman, with an average of .330; Megan Pinette, fourth baseman, with an average of .240; and Beth Michaud, outfielder, with an average of .285.
Starters for this season may include: Angela Norsworthy, senior, pitcher and shortstop; Chelsea Glovins, senior, second baseman, with an average of .295; Allisen Donovan, junior, outfielder, with an average of .260; and Allison Young, sophomore, catcher and outfielder, with an average of .305.
“We have some big shoes to fill with the departure of the five seniors, both defensively and offensively. Katie Delong has led our team in hitting, on base percentage, runs scored, stolen bases, and total bases for the past several years. All the seniors that graduated were good hitters and hit in the top half of the order,” said Curtis.
Norsworthy and Krista Coffin, a freshman, will both be pitching right-handed for this year’s team.
Other players on the team include: Molly Hamel, senior, as catcher, first baseman, and outfielder; Janna Clukey, senior, in the outfield; Melissa McGary, junior, at shortstop and second base; Caroline Freeman, junior, at first and third base; Emilee Currie, sophomore, shortstop and outfield; Kayla Legassie, sophomore, in the outfield; Keisha Ward, junior, first baseman; Tiffany Martin, junior, catcher and outfielder; Krista Coffin, freshman, pitcher and first baseman; and Jody Buckley, freshman, at second and third base and outfield.
The manager for the team is Darryl-Ann Girardin.
“We had a very good turnout this spring,” said Curtis. “Both [White] and I have 14 players on the varsity [team]. As with any team, staying healthy, having a full squad for games (the number of conflicts is astounding in the spring), along with some decent weather, will go a long ways to helping us find success. Our pitching should be strong; Angela had some outstanding games last year and looks even stronger this year.”
Ashland
Last year, Ashland’s softball team lost in the state final, came in third overall in the standings and had an impressive record of 15-2. Terry Hunter, coach for the team for 10 years, has high hopes for this season’s team.
“Although we have four seniors, there is only one Katie Clark, [who] is a four-year starter,” said Hunter. “We will be a bit young and inexperienced in some positions, [but] we will have one of the best pitcher-catcher combinations. Returning [to the team as] juniors [are] Whitney Flint and Mindy Chasse. Clark is an excellent fielder and hitter and sophomore Andrea May can play any position.”
Hunter lost five key players last year: Danielle Long, in centerfield, who led the team in averages with .492; Angela Belskis, first baseman, with an average of .400, and was named Aroostook All-Star; Ashley Nemer, at shortstop and pitcher; with an average of .453 and she was also named Aroostook All-Star; Lindsey Long, who was in right field; and Mea Richmond, at second base.
This year’s projected starting lineup includes Jessica Landry, senior, in left field; Katie Clark, senior, at second with an average of .319; Melissa Cray, senior, in right field, with an average of .367; Whitney Flint, junior, pitcher, with an average of .328, and an Aroostook All-Star; Mindy Chasse, junior, a catcher with a .283 average; and Andrea Mayo, sophomore, in centerfield, with an average of .367.
Flint will be the starting pitcher, with a 13-2 record from last year and also 1.948 earned runs averaged. Joining her will be Suzanne Poulin, a sophomore, and freshmen Taylor Baker and Macie Pelkey. All the pitchers this year will be pitching right-handed.
Other players on the team include Autumn Cobb, senior; sophomores Crystal Cook, Miranda Donovan and Debbie Beckler; and freshmen Taylor Baker and Macie Pelkey.
“Seniors Landry and Cray split starting duties last year and both are capable and should be valuable assets this season. I like what I see in my sophomores and freshmen and they should be able to contribute immediately,” stated Hunter.
Central Aroostook
“Last year’s season was eventful,” said varsity softball coach Rodney Codrey. “We had problems with our pitching, however we did improve by the year’s end.”
Central Aroostook’s record last year was 1-14, but Codrey has high expectations for his second year of coaching.
The team lost one senior last year, All-Aroostook star Samantha Brewer. Brewer played shortstop and was a strong defensive player.
The projected starting lineup for this season include Kayla Day, junior and first baseman; Rachael Donahue, sophomore, playing second base or outfield; Kayla Foster, sophomore, at third base; Ashley Estabrook, freshman, at shortstop; Sarah Long, junior, in centerfield; Alex Dame, junior, outfielder; Robyn Graham, junior, pitcher and infielder; Latisha Neece, junior, outfielder and infielder; and Ashley Pryor, junior, as the team’s catcher.
Graham, Long, Estabrook and Mosher will all be serving as the team’s pitchers this year, and they will all be pitching right-handed.
Freshmen players on the team include Laura Antworth, infielder; Rachel Donovan, catcher; Sarah Michaud, infielder; Britni Mosher, pitcher and infielder; and Brooke Smith, first baseman.
For the sophomores the lineup includes: Danielle Cropley, second baseman; Miranda Lento, infielder; Jeanette Hallett, infielder; and Meagan McClay, outfielder.
Also on the roster are juniors Ashley Brewer and Shelby Hallett, both playing in the outfield. Senior Damie Cushman rounds out the team as an infielder.
“[I would like the team to] play to the best of their ability. The team has good talent and they need to just relax and play. [They need to] be aware of their surroundings on the field. We have certain goals in mind this year and would like to build on them for the following years,” said Codrey.
Last year, Ashland’s softball team lost in the state final, came in third overall in the standings and had an impressive record of 15-2. Terry Hunter, coach for the team for 10 years, has high hopes for this season’s team.
“Although we have four seniors, there is only one Katie Clark, [who] is a four-year starter,” said Hunter. “We will be a bit young and inexperienced in some positions, [but] we will have one of the best pitcher-catcher combinations. Returning [to the team as] juniors [are] Whitney Flint and Mindy Chasse. Clark is an excellent fielder and hitter and sophomore Andrea May can play any position.”
Hunter lost five key players last year: Danielle Long, in centerfield, who led the team in averages with .492; Angela Belskis, first baseman, with an average of .400, and was named Aroostook All-Star; Ashley Nemer, at shortstop and pitcher; with an average of .453 and she was also named Aroostook All-Star; Lindsey Long, who was in right field; and Mea Richmond, at second base.
This year’s projected starting lineup includes Jessica Landry, senior, in left field; Katie Clark, senior, at second with an average of .319; Melissa Cray, senior, in right field, with an average of .367; Whitney Flint, junior, pitcher, with an average of .328, and an Aroostook All-Star; Mindy Chasse, junior, a catcher with a .283 average; and Andrea Mayo, sophomore, in centerfield, with an average of .367.
Flint will be the starting pitcher, with a 13-2 record from last year and also 1.948 earned runs averaged. Joining her will be Suzanne Poulin, a sophomore, and freshmen Taylor Baker and Macie Pelkey. All the pitchers this year will be pitching right-handed.
Other players on the team include Autumn Cobb, senior; sophomores Crystal Cook, Miranda Donovan and Debbie Beckler; and freshmen Taylor Baker and Macie Pelkey.
“Seniors Landry and Cray split starting duties last year and both are capable and should be valuable assets this season. I like what I see in my sophomores and freshmen and they should be able to contribute immediately,” stated Hunter.
Central Aroostook
“Last year’s season was eventful,” said varsity softball coach Rodney Codrey. “We had problems with our pitching, however we did improve by the year’s end.”
Central Aroostook’s record last year was 1-14, but Codrey has high expectations for his second year of coaching.
The team lost one senior last year, All-Aroostook star Samantha Brewer. Brewer played shortstop and was a strong defensive player.
The projected starting lineup for this season include Kayla Day, junior and first baseman; Rachael Donahue, sophomore, playing second base or outfield; Kayla Foster, sophomore, at third base; Ashley Estabrook, freshman, at shortstop; Sarah Long, junior, in centerfield; Alex Dame, junior, outfielder; Robyn Graham, junior, pitcher and infielder; Latisha Neece, junior, outfielder and infielder; and Ashley Pryor, junior, as the team’s catcher.
Graham, Long, Estabrook and Mosher will all be serving as the team’s pitchers this year, and they will all be pitching right-handed.
Freshmen players on the team include Laura Antworth, infielder; Rachel Donovan, catcher; Sarah Michaud, infielder; Britni Mosher, pitcher and infielder; and Brooke Smith, first baseman.
For the sophomores the lineup includes: Danielle Cropley, second baseman; Miranda Lento, infielder; Jeanette Hallett, infielder; and Meagan McClay, outfielder.
Also on the roster are juniors Ashley Brewer and Shelby Hallett, both playing in the outfield. Senior Damie Cushman rounds out the team as an infielder.
“[I would like the team to] play to the best of their ability. The team has good talent and they need to just relax and play. [They need to] be aware of their surroundings on the field. We have certain goals in mind this year and would like to build on them for the following years,” said Codrey.
Washburn
Tammy Tatlock will be coaching Washburn’s varsity softball team for the third year this season, and lost only two key players last year. The season record for 2006 was 7-9.
Although Tabitha Blakney, at shortstop, and Sara Davis, an outfielder, won’t be joining the team again this season, Tatlock has a strong group this year that is striving for a successful season.
The projected starting lineup this season includes Amber Palmer, senior; Kristen Goupille, junior; Amy Reed, senior; Amber Reed, freshman; Erica McDougall, junior; Rachel Palmer, sophomore; Kelsea McLaughlin, junior; Alicia Saucier, freshman; and Kelly O’Donnell, junior.
McDougall, McLaughlin, Goupille and Amy and Amber Reed will be pitching this season; and all of them will be pitching right-handed.
Freshmen players included on the roster for this year are Kira Swimm, Kayla Pike and Hillary Harris. Margo McIntosh, senior, will also be joining the team this season. The manager is Owen James.
“This year our team is going through a building year, due to key players having injuries. Pre-season has gone well for us. Many practices have been focused on the fundamentals of the game ranging from fielding, hitting and team tactics. We are looking to be competitive with the help of our pitching depth and experience for the upcoming season,” Tatlock stated.
Tammy Tatlock will be coaching Washburn’s varsity softball team for the third year this season, and lost only two key players last year. The season record for 2006 was 7-9.
Although Tabitha Blakney, at shortstop, and Sara Davis, an outfielder, won’t be joining the team again this season, Tatlock has a strong group this year that is striving for a successful season.
The projected starting lineup this season includes Amber Palmer, senior; Kristen Goupille, junior; Amy Reed, senior; Amber Reed, freshman; Erica McDougall, junior; Rachel Palmer, sophomore; Kelsea McLaughlin, junior; Alicia Saucier, freshman; and Kelly O’Donnell, junior.
McDougall, McLaughlin, Goupille and Amy and Amber Reed will be pitching this season; and all of them will be pitching right-handed.
Freshmen players included on the roster for this year are Kira Swimm, Kayla Pike and Hillary Harris. Margo McIntosh, senior, will also be joining the team this season. The manager is Owen James.
“This year our team is going through a building year, due to key players having injuries. Pre-season has gone well for us. Many practices have been focused on the fundamentals of the game ranging from fielding, hitting and team tactics. We are looking to be competitive with the help of our pitching depth and experience for the upcoming season,” Tatlock stated.
Fort Fairfield
Fort Fairfield’s softball team has gone through quite a bit already, even before the season has gotten into full-swing. Due to the loss of their regular coach, athletic director Tim Watt has stepped in to coach the team for 2007. Also, Kerri Cunningham and Lauren Beckwith, both seniors, have sustained ACL injuries and cannot play until they have healed. Cunningham and Beckwith are still strong supporters of their teammates, and are acting as managers this season.
Returning to the team this year are sophomores Caityln Esancy, Katelyn Godin, Kelly Lynch and Kelsie York. Brittany Pelkey, junior, and Kellie Osgood, senior, are also coming back to play.
New players this year include freshmen Courtney Churchill, Sarah Hebert, Ahsley Romine, Emily Weissman and Kelsie Wilson. Juniors Kylie Bouchey and Brooke Chasse will also be suiting up for the Tigers this spring. Heather Sappier, junior, will be acting as a manager for the team.
Chris Arato and John McCrea will be the assistant coaches for Watt this year.
Fort Fairfield’s softball team has gone through quite a bit already, even before the season has gotten into full-swing. Due to the loss of their regular coach, athletic director Tim Watt has stepped in to coach the team for 2007. Also, Kerri Cunningham and Lauren Beckwith, both seniors, have sustained ACL injuries and cannot play until they have healed. Cunningham and Beckwith are still strong supporters of their teammates, and are acting as managers this season.
Returning to the team this year are sophomores Caityln Esancy, Katelyn Godin, Kelly Lynch and Kelsie York. Brittany Pelkey, junior, and Kellie Osgood, senior, are also coming back to play.
New players this year include freshmen Courtney Churchill, Sarah Hebert, Ahsley Romine, Emily Weissman and Kelsie Wilson. Juniors Kylie Bouchey and Brooke Chasse will also be suiting up for the Tigers this spring. Heather Sappier, junior, will be acting as a manager for the team.
Chris Arato and John McCrea will be the assistant coaches for Watt this year.
