Staff Writer
After losing only two seniors to graduation last year, the 2008 Caribou High School varsity softball team continues preparations for a preliminary-worthy season with a host of returning veterans. 2007 CHS softball felt their youthful growing pains last season under the guidance of seniors Jessica Kinney and Alyssia Thibodeau. Having learned from their many matches against top-notch squads, the Vikings are ready to take on their old rivals again.
Staff photo/Meridith Paterson
2008 Caribou varsity softball team. The Vikings are, from the left in front, Kylee Landeen, Katie Ouellette, Chelsea Bouchard, Rachel Jordan, Ashley Ayotte and Ashley Doucette and, in back, coach Ryan Deprey, Danielle Soucy, Brittany Doak, Serena Grier, Kristen Espling, Ali Richards and manager Samara Cyr.
“This year’s team should come in with more confidence then in years past,” said head coach Ryan Deprey. “With the tough schedule that we played last season and the strides that we made during the season, we are on the verge of a preliminary playoff game.”
The Viking lineup begins with sophomore third baseman Ashley Doucette this year. According to Deprey, “she’s a versatile sophomore with a high softball I.Q.” Senior outfielder Ali Richards will have an important role at the plate boasting powerful bat speed. Junior shortstop Kristen Espling and Serena Grier will also start for CHS. Junior catcher Katie Ouellette will be relied upon for her consistency at bat. Junior Kylee Landeen will play at first base. Sophomore outfielder Ashley Ayotte is starting in her first varsity year for Caribou softball, and sophomore Brittany Doak will catch in the outfield. Senior second baseman Chelsea Bard rounds off the lineup.
Right-handers Grier and Espling will pitch for the ’08 CHS team.
Also playing for the Vikings are sophomore first baseman, or outfielder, Danielle Soucy and sophomore third baseman Rachel Jordan.
With two new schools on the ’08 schedule, Old Town and Central of East Corinth, and a full lineup of teams who have had successful past seasons, Deprey will encourage the girls to play full force through each inning.
“Within Aroostook County, Fort Kent is always improving, Houlton proved that they will be a force in Class C and Presque Isle has made winning a tradition,” commented Deprey. “Hermon, Mattanawcook and Ellsworth were all playoff teams last season, and appear to be headed that way once again.”
In preparation for the opening game, Viking softball has taken over the gymnasium for practice. While Deprey admits playing out on the field is always better, he believes that the team will have a solid foundation of softball fundamentals for their first game.
Samara Cyr and Sandra Schofield will manage the 2008 softball squad.
