LIMESTONE, Maine — The Eagles’ softball team may be entering the season with its third coach in three years, but expectations remain high in Limestone.
The team has put together undefeated regular seasons in each of the past two campaigns, with last year’s team able to capture an Eastern Maine Class D title. Jamie Albert takes over the coaching reins after Andrew Kirby stepped down after one season, and Albert believes another solid year could be in store.
“We are still searching for an identity, but we just want to get better every game and succeed in doing the little things that help win ball games,” Albert said.
The Eagles lost some key contributors from last year’s championship team, including pitcher Melissa Cantafio, catcher Kelsee Albert (the coach’s oldest daughter) and left fielder Jordyn Hopkins to graduation and junior center fielder Chelsey Pelkey, who transferred to Fort Fairfield.
Still, six players who owned primary roles are back and although a few are making the adjustment of switching positions, their veteran presence has been invaluable for the rookie coach.
Defense has been the area of concentration early in the season for the Eagles.
“We are trying to preach the motto ‘love the glove,’” Albert said. “If we make the plays in the field, we will be tough to beat.”
Albert has received a boost with the experience of his assistant coaches — Bob Hancock and Glenn Michaud — who both have spent several seasons with the program under longtime coach Brent O’Neal.
“I’m really thankful to have those two on the coaching staff,” Albert said. “They have been a big plus.”
Ellyzabeth Bencivenga, one of only two seniors on the team, makes the switch from being a third baseman her first three seasons to the No. 1 pitcher this year. Albert is confident she will make the adjustment despite seeing limited time on the mound as the back-up pitcher last season.
“She is a hard worker and has definitely put the time into the sport,” Albert said, “plus she is a good leader who keeps things loose.”
Bencivenga will be at the top of the batting order as she is a “great hitter,” according to the coach.
Replacing Kelsee Albert as the starting catcher will be sophomore Morganne Emery, who despite little prior experience at the position has the confidence of her coach.
“She will do what it takes to get the job done,” Albert said. “She possesses natural skills at the position.”
Emery could bat as high as second in the lineup, but may be slotted sixth as well, according to Albert.
Madeline Williams returns to first base, a position she has held the previous two seasons. Albert said Williams has a chance to be the top first baseman in Aroostook County. She will be in the middle of the order and is the Eagles’ strongest hitter and one who doesn’t get rattled at the plate.
Jackie Peers is back at second base and is considered the “heart and soul” of the team by Albert. She is a solid defensive player, an outstanding hitter who runs the bases well and a gritty competitor. Albert has he slotted either second or third in the batting lineup.
Freshman Lasha Butler will start at third base. She is a fearless player who will improve as she gets used to playing at the varsity level.
Kassee Albert is the coach’s youngest daughter and a third-year starter at shortstop who excels both offensively and defensively. The mentally-tough Albert will occupy either the third and fourth position in the lineup.
Sarah Hemphill started in right field last year, but the junior makes the move over to left. She has good speed and has improved offensively.
Megan Faucher saw little action a year ago, but the sophomore will get the nod in center field for the Eagles. She is a gifted athlete who gets a good jump on the ball and has a strong arm. She also is capable of making solid contact at the plate and will be a key component toward the bottom of the lineup.
The right field job will feature either sophomore Delaney Rossignol or senior Annie Sinclair. Rossignol is another good athlete and a strong defender, while Sinclair is a pure hitter who was the primary designated hitter on last year’s team.
Albert has 10 other players who will vie for playing time, most likely in the outfield. Freshman Marissa Emery is a candidate to see action, while the others are juniors Leah Kihn and Jessica Lindsay, sophomores Kendall Millard, Bethany Millette and Sage Williams; and freshmen Brooke Bolduc, Stephenie Bragg, Haili Rahkonen and Abigail Raymond.
Bencivenga, Williams, Peers and Albert are the Eagles’ captains. Junior Danika Devost and sophomore Katelynn Bilodeau are Albert’s managers.
