HODGDON, Maine — After earning a spot in the postseason a year ago, the Hodgdon softball squad is hoping to take the next step in its development this spring.
Second-year varsity coach Mark Faulkingham is hopeful the Hawks will continue their growth on the softball diamond. The Hawks finished 11-5 overall last year, including hosting a playoff game.
Hodgdon was the No. 7 seed in Class D North and defeated No. 10 Fort Fairfield 28-8 in the preliminary playoffs. The Hawks fell to No. 2 Stearns 15-3 in the quarterfinals.
“We’d like to host another playoff game,” coach Faulkingham said. “We have six incoming freshmen, which is great for the program. Some (of the younger players) will need to step up.”
Hodgdon’s roster features a strong mixture of returning players and newcomers. This year’s Hawks squad features seniors Kaelyn Lawlor (third base/captain), Delaney Little (first base/captain) and Monique Polchies (center field/captain); juniors Sadie Thompson (shortstop/pitcher), Marissa Dow (shortstop/pitcher), Hope Parker (outfield), Sydney Harvey (right field); sophomores Meghan Peters (second base) and Aleyah Matheson (catcher); and freshmen Gracie Little (left field), Sydney Rockwell (utility), Sarah Matheson (second base), Ava Wells (catcher), Chloe Polchies (outfield) and Paige Fitzpatrick (first base).
Faulkingham, who has 12 years of coaching experience in the Houlton school system, said this year’s team should be solid throughout the lineup.
“Overall we have a solid team,” he said. “They get along exceptionally well. There are no egos. They love to work hard and they enjoy practicing together.”
Faulkingham added his goal is to focus on improved base running this spring, and also to instill a sense of “on to the next” play when shaking off any errors.
Hodgdon tentatively opens its season Monday, April 25, hosting Southern Aroostook at 4 p.m.
