The Fort Fairfield girls softball team has seen a lot of change leading up to this season. First-year coach Vaughn McLaughlin is the fourth coach for the Tigers over the past four years, and one of his goals is to provide stability and consistency to the young squad.
McLaughlin has been involved with the girls’ basketball program for a number of years, so he is very familiar with the athletes and he believes that the playoffs are reachable. “My goals for the season are to stay above .500 and to reach the playoffs,” explained McLaughlin. “As long as we continue to improve every day in practice, we will have success.”
There are no seniors on the squad, but the Tigers will feature a strong junior class. Sarah Edgecomb will handle the pitching duties, while her sister Sadie Edgecomb will be the starting catcher. Both are good hitters as well.
Juniors Hunter St. Pierre, Kayla Tisdale, and Emily Everitt will anchor the outfield with Everitt also serving as the back-up catcher and spot pitcher. Junior Amanda Whipple, is a first-year player who will see time at second as well as the outfield as she continues to improve.
Sophomore Cassidy Coiley will be the starting first baseman, and has worked hard on her hitting this spring. Sophomore Ashley Clickman is a first-year player who is getting more comfortable with the game every time out.
The freshman class features Cammi King, Ali White and Makaila Beck. King will start at shortstop and also be the primary backup on the mound. White will play some second base and some outfield, while Beck will be the starting third baseman. All three will be needed to contribute from the outset.
McLaughlin is pleased with how things have gone in the early going. Despite getting outside only one time due to weather and field conditions, things have gone well. “We have consistently come to practice with a positive attitude and worked at improving our game. Hitting still needs a lot of work but I am seeing things improve as we address fundamental issues like bat position through the zone and footwork. Our new players will play a big role, as we only have eleven players on the roster.”
The Tigers have a strong schedule with games against perennial play-off teams Limestone, Fort Kent, Southern Aroostook and Madawaska. They also have contests with Central Aroostook, Washburn and East Grand.
With a goal of a .500 record, the Tigers will have their work cut out for them. “Our attitudes are great and we continue to improve,” explained McLaughlin. “If we can get some time on a real field outside we will all be happier!”
