CARIBOU, Maine — The Vikings have already surpassed their win total from a year ago, so 10th-year coach Ryan Deprey is trying to continue to instill confidence as the remainder of the season unfolds.
Caribou went 2-14 in 2014, but the benefit was getting his younger players valuable varsity experience and it is paying off so far this spring. The Vikes opened with victories in two of their first three contests and are currently 3-5 on the year.
“For us to have success, we need to commit to getting better every day at practice and also to realize that we are going to make mistakes, but limiting them and learning from them so we are getting better and never being satisfied with where we are will be key for this group,” Deprey said.
Sophomore Rachel Soucy anchors the Viking pitching staff. She is the team’s hardest thrower and “is doing a nice job with location and using breaking balls as well,” according to the coach. Junior Jenna Boucher is the No. 2 pitcher and is a consistent strike thrower who keeps hitters off balance. Both Soucy and Boucher will play second base when not on the mound.
Three other starting infielders return in junior first baseman Adrianna Bither, sophomore shortstop Maddie Doucette and sophomore third baseman Megan Thornton. Bither is a strong defensive player, while Doucette has great range and provides speed on the base paths. Thornton is recovering from a knee injury suffered during soccer season but is a steady all-around player.
Senior Morgan Outing is the lone returnee in the outfield and plays center. She is a smart hitter who runs the bases well.
Katie Pelletier is the designated player who will bat fourth in the order. The senior is a dependable left-handed hitter who can also play the outfield.
Senior Bria Judd starts in left field. She reads the ball well off the bat and is a solid contact hitter.
Freshmen Jaelynn Doody and Hope Shea have joined the starting lineup for the Vikings. Doody is the catcher who is an above-average defender and a reliable hitter, while Shea anchors right field and has a strong arm and great speed.
Kaitlynn Nadeau, a sophomore, is Caribou’s super sub, according to Deprey. She is capable of filling it at most positions. Junior Raylee Shaw and sophomores Katelyn Clark and Stephanie Currie are other team members.
Zoe Gerakaris and Searra Herbert are the managers and C.P. Harris returns as Deprey’s assistant coach.
