Starting off the season with a win is something every coach hopes for as a victory can often set the tone for subsequent games.
Both the Houlton and Southern Aroostook softball squads were able to accomplish this goal as the two teams were victorious in their first games of the year. Houlton (1-0) opened with a win over Mattanawcook Academy Monday, while Southern Aroostook (1-0) gained its first win Friday against Hodgdon (1-1).
East Grand has yet to play, but the Vikings were scheduled to travel to Eastport Tuesday afternoon for a game with Shead.
The following is a recap of games played through Monday.
Houlton 18, Mattanawcook Academy 9 — At Lincoln Monday in a game postponed from April 20, the Shires doubled up the Lynx as Tyra Gentle led the way with three doubles and six RBIs. Kristen Graham had two hits and scored four runs. Morgan Grant had two RBIs for the Shires.
Gentle, Aspen Flewelling and Emma Peterson each scored three runs for Houlton.
Graham also picked up the pitching win as she scattered nine runs on eight and and 10 walks.
Houlton’s Gentle, Makayla McGuire and Flewelling turned a double play in the bottom of the seventh inning to help secure the victory
For MA (1-1), Laci Hanington singled twice, had three RBIs and scored a run. Cheyanne Libby had a single, walked three times and scored three runs.
Hodgdon 8, Southern Aroostook 13 — At Hodgdon Friday, SACS freshman Kylie Vining twirled a strong game from inside the pitching circle as she struck out 11 in the season opener for the Warriors.
Vining helped her own cause with three singles. Katelyn Slauenwite added a single, double and triple, while Kassidy Mathers chipped in with two singles and a double for Southern Aroostook.
Grace Graham led Hodgdon (1-1) with two singles and a double. Taylor Desrosier had one strikeout pitching for the Hawks.
Katahdin 8, Schenck 6 — At East Millinocket Friday, the Cougars won their first game of the season. No game information was reported to the newspaper.
Katahdin 0, Stearns 12 –– At Millinocket April 20, Stearns’ Jessica Girsa pitched a complete game, giving up one hit and striking out three batters, to shut out Katahdin in six innings.
The Minutemen offense was led by Girsa, Lauren Jamo, Cassidy McLeod and Audrey Dunstan, who each recorded two hits. Cassidy McLeod and Grace Farrington each knocked in three runs.
Katahdin was led by Courtney Stevens, who had a double.
