ASHLAND, Maine — The Hornets lost their top two pitchers from last year’s team, but return loads of experience at the other eight positions and should be among the top teams in Eastern Maine Class D if coach Terry Hunter can find a reliable hurler.
“We have to start from scratch at a very key position,” said Hunter, who is beginning his 17th year as the Hornets’ head coach, “but I believe the three we have pitching now are ready.
“If one can show consistency, with the offense and defense that we have, we should be able to contend,” he added.
Junior Marissa Chasse is the leading candidate, but freshman Cassidy Pelletier and sophomore Jaci Deabay are also in the mix for roles on the mound.
Ashland has six returning seniors, with five owning starting jobs for the past two or three seasons. Ally Beaulier gets the nod in left field. Called “very fast and with a good glove” by her coach, Beaulier led the Hornets in every offensive category in 2013, which includes owning a .780 on-base percentage and .680 batting average.
Rachel Gillis is in center field and is a great defensive player who hits well in the clutch. Macie Belanceau is a stellar first baseman but can play other positions as well. She was second on the team with a .511 batting average a year ago. Gabby Cyr is a steady player who will see time at both second and third base. Kim Baker is also versatile, filling in at first, second or right field, depending on the situation.
Chasse and Pelletier will play shortstop when not on the mound. Chasse has power, speed and is very dependable, while Pelletier is capable of playing multiple positions and has a great glove and strong arm, with an ability to hit for power.
Sophomore Caitlin Paradis is the starting catcher and last year threw out more baserunners attempting to steal than any freshman catcher Hunter has coached. Classmate Laura Sturgeon will play both third base and second base and plays “all out, all the time,” according to Hunter. Sturgeon will also back up Paradis behind the plate.
Deabay is one of the team’s substitutes along with junior Sophie Theriault, senior Alexis Flewelling, sophomores Whitney Page, Savanna Flint and Cassie Bolstridge and freshmen Hannah Stratton and Jasmine Jackson.
Libby Pelkey is the manager and Tammy Donovan and Kayla Cote help out Hunter as coaches.
“The team is very talented and have worked very hard in practice, but as with any team we need to execute. If we can do that, I hope we play well enough to make the playoffs and then it’s one game at a time,” Hunter said.
