Houlton Coach Travis Gentle is expecting his squad to “win a few more games this season,” as the Lady Shires went 2-12 for a 12th-place finish last year in Class C softball.
“I believe this team is a playoff team, if and when, the girls are playing well,” he said.
Gentle noted that the Lady Shires cannot afford to beat themselves by giving a team extra outs by errors on the defensive or offensive side.
“We have a young team and sometimes with that a lot of mistakes may be made,” said Gentle. “However, with that a lot of pressure is taken off since some teams may overlook us.”
The Lady Shires’ lineup includes: senior Tanika Toby (catcher, outfield, third base); juniors, Rebecca Emery (second base); Haven Rhoda, (first and third bases); Emma Gallop, (first and third bases, pitching), along with Southern Aroostook junior transfers Katie Prescott (second base, outfield) and Shanna Porter (catcher, shortstop); sophomores, Emma Drew (outfield) and Makayla McGuire (outfield, first base); freshmen, Tessa McCormick (outfield); Makayla Fitzpatrick (outfield, pitcher, first base); Elizabeth Ward (third base, shortstop, catcher); Emma Peterson, (shortstop, pitcher, outfield); Victoria Holmes (outfield, third and second bases, pitcher); Hannah Foley (outfield, first base); and Morgan Grant (outfield).
Gentle feels his team’s strength lies in their youthfulness, as well as their overall speed.
“We have a lot of fast girls and with speed, we can and should be able to hopefully manufacture runs,” he said. “Our weakness can be boiled down in one word … situations. I have had to spend a lot of time on this aspect of the game. I have had to teach them what is expected of them in certain times/situations in a game.
“I believe they are grasping the concept of how and why situational softball knowledge is important,” he added. “It could be the difference between a win and a loss.”
Gentle does not see any “give me” games on his schedule this year, as his team will play against such opponents as Hodgdon, Caribou, Presque Isle, Fort Kent, Madawaska, Calais and Mattanawcook Academy.
“They will all be tough,” he said. “Calais and Mattanawcook Academy are usually two teams to watch in our division.”
