HOULTON, Maine — Perfection is something every sports team strives for, but few are able to accomplish.
Under the guidance of second-year coach Bryan Swallow and assistant coach Tiffiny Chase, the Houlton Middle School softball squad was able to accomplish this impressive feat, rolling to a 12-0 undefeated season this spring.
The Shires capped their dream season June 5 with a hard-fought 11-10, extra-inning victory over Hodgdon Middle School. The final game marked just the second time all season that Houlton trailed during a game.
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- Houlton Middle School coach Bryan Swallow, left, speaks to his daughter Emma on third base during a June 5 game. (Joseph Cyr)
This year’s Shire squad was anchored by captains Drew Warman, Emma Swallow, Maddie Marino and Brooke Chase.
Marino, the team’s ace pitcher, partnered with catcher Brooke Chase for most of the season.
Other team members are Amelia Callnan, Gabby Gentle, Calli Sylvia, Kansas Chase, Savannah Soucy, Launa Jay, Lilli Fitzpatrick, Cindy Hannigan, Carissa Michaud, Grace Brewer, Lily Brewer and Mariah Peterson.
“Hitting was impressive all season with the bottom of the lineup being just as dependable as the top of the order,” coach Chase said. “Powerful hitting was complemented by smart and aggressive baserunning. Smart baserunning was a priority this year for us.”
Coach Swallow added while he had not anticipated at the start of the season going undefeated, he was incredibly proud of this group of girls for the accomplishment.
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- Houlton’s Maddie Marino rears back to deliver a pitch during a June 5 middle school game against Hodgdon. Houlton capped its season with a perfect 12-0 record. (Joseph Cyr)
