The East Grand/Greater Houlton Christian Academy cooperative softball squad is looking to make an impact in the Heal Point standings this year.
Coach Shaun Beaudoin has led the East Grand Lady Vikings for eight seasons and brings his experience to the first cooperative school season.
Though GHCA has not had a varsity softball program for three years, East Grand under Beaudoin has been among the top teams in Class D the last two years.
In 2013, the Lady Vikings went 8-6 on the regular season to a sixth-place finish in Eastern Maine Class D. In 2012, the Lady Vikings were 12-1 and were ranked no. 1 in Class D before losing to Deer Isle-Stonington in the regional semifinal.
There are 12 players on the this year’s roster, with six of those returning starters from last year’s East Grand squad, while GHCA adds talented athletes to the lineup.
Taking to the pitching circle will be junior Allison McEwen, who started most of East Grand’s games a year ago, with catching partner East Grand sophomore Kim Stoddard. First base duties will be handled by East Grand freshman Sarah Stoddard, while GHCA freshman Jennah Carver and East Grand junior Adreanna Phillips will handle second base. GHCA freshman Rylee Warman will play shortstop, while East Grand junior Chelsea Winiarski will take turns anchoring third. The outfield will consist of GHCA freshmen Carver, Mikayla Watson and East Grand’s Hannah Crone and Beth-Ann Lee, along with East Grand eighth-graders Haleigh Shay and Emili Russell.
The East Grand/GHCA team will play tough Class D opponents such as Southern Aroostook, Woodland and Penobscot Valley, which will test the first-year joint team.
