HODGDON, Maine — Though the Hodgdon girls varsity softball team went 1-15 last year, it was not indicative of how the season could have finished for them. The Lady Hawks lost two games in extra innings and three games by one run.
Lost through graduation were pitcher Samantha Palmer and utility player and designated hitter Christine Wallace.
This year, fifth-year coach Mike Varney and first-year assistant coach Sarah Harbison Williams are looking for the girls to close out their games strong and to reach the playoffs.
“We are returning many key players,” said Varney. “Most of these players have two or three years of experience in their positions.
“The seniors are the team captains and are leaders both on and off the field,” he added. “In addition, we have added to our depth in both fielding and hitting with a talented freshman class.”
Returning to the mound this season is four-year starter Jamiee Theriault. She will be joined in the pitching rotation by freshmen Lexi McGuire and Addie Woods.
Playing for the team this season are: freshmen Jordyn McKissick, Shelbey Sanders, Kendra Gresko and Sidney Crane; sophomores Brianna Tully, Tabetha Ganzel and Jessi Drew; juniors Tianna McEwen and Lexi Emerson; and seniors Hannah Sherman, Rachel Harmon and Jessi Tracey.
“Our bench is small, yet they have as much talent as those on the field,” said Varney. “We will be able to move players around in key areas on the field.”
For the Lady Hawks to go deep into the season, Varney said his players need to cut down on their fielding errors.
“The girls need to focus on getting the out and be aware of runners on base,” he said. “We also need to play more small ball, bunting, slap hitting and hit and run ball.”
Varney does not see one team in Class D being the team to beat since many teams lost players through graduation a year ago.
“Our focus is to play each game with confidence,” said Varney. “We need to be competitive against each team.”
