HODGDON, Maine — Is this the year that the Hodgdon softball team takes another big step forward and advances deeper into the postseason?
Head coach Sarah Williams certainly hopes so. Williams, who is embarking on her second solo season as head coach of the Hawks and third year overall with the program, is optimistic that this spring will see even greater success for the ballclub.
Last year, the Hodgdon softball team not only earned a play-off berth for the first time in many years, but also won its first postseason game. The Hawks finished 6-8 in the regular season and earned the No. 8 seed in Class D North and the right to host a preliminary game. In that contest, the Hawks rose to the occasion, blasting past No. 9 Shead, 17-3, before falling to No. 1 Stearns 21-3.
“We have set some team goals focused mainly on batting and baserunning,” Williams said. “We hope to earn another home prelim like last year.”
The Hawks should be an aggressive team both offensively and defensively as the bulk of the squad from last year is back and hungry to do better. One key player from last season was lost to graduation. Tianna McEwen was one of the team’s strongest hitters and anchored the hot corner at third base.
This year’s ballteam includes seniors Taylor Desrosiers (pitcher), Tabetha Ganzel (second base/outfield) and Jessica Drew (outfield); juniors Sidney Crane (shortstop), Janelle Goff (outfield), Jordyn McKissick (outfield, second base), Hannah Elland (first base), Megan Russell (outfield), Addie Woods (outfield, third base), and Kendra Gresko (catcher); sophomore Kora Lambert (third base), and freshmen Martha Wilson (pitcher, third base, outfield), Autumn Ganzel (outfield, catcher), Jeanelle Ross (outfield), and Kathryn Nightingale (outfield).
One area coach Williams said she hopes to improve upon as the season progresses is hitting for both power and average.
The Hawks open their season Tuesday, April 25 hosting Washburn at 4 p.m.
