Softball: Teams to watch in southern Maine

Cape Elizabeth was undefeated final yr en path to successful the Class B state championship, and the Capers determine to contend for the title once more this spring. Michael G. Seamans/Morning Sentinel

1. Biddeford: The defending Class A South champion returns three Varsity Maine All-State gamers at key positions – junior pitcher Charlotte Donovan (17-4, 2.16 ERA), catcher Chantelle Bouchard (.512 batting common, 36 RBI) and slick fielding senior Hannah Gosselin at second base. Hannah Lappin, a junior switch from Thornton Academy, will slot into shortstop to solidify an infield that returns power-hitting junior Baylor Wilkinson (.468, 10 HRs, 40 RBI) at first and senior Alexis Libby at third. Junior outfielder Laura Perrault (.456, 4 homers) is one other high quality hitter on a group extremely able to reaching its aim of returning to the Class A ultimate, in line with Coach Mike Fecteau.

2. Windham: The Eagles misplaced to Biddeford in a 14-inning regional semifinal final yr and are seen as co-favorites with Biddeford in a deep, proficient division. Sophomore All-State lefty Brooke Gerry (206 strikeouts in 108 2/3 innings, .561 batting common) will pitch fewer innings this season as a result of Coach Fred Wilcox has equal religion in freshman righty Kennedy Kimball. Like Gerry, Kennedy throws laborious (low 60s) with spin. The plan is for Gerry and Kimball to every pitch in each sport. Sophomore second-team SMAA catcher Jaydn Kimball, Kennedy’s sister, is out for an prolonged interval due to a hip damage. Freshman Stella Jarvais, a standout on Windham’s state soccer championship group, will catch as a substitute. Junior Ella Wilcox at first, and seniors Ellie Wilson (shortstop/third base) and Amanda Foss (second) solidify the infield protection, and junior Hannah Heanssler and freshman Chloe Edwards are key outfielders.

3. Cape Elizabeth: The Capers should substitute Varsity Maine Participant of the 12 months Anna Cornell within the circle, however they return 10 varsity gamers, together with seven seniors from their 21-0 Class B championship group. Kathryne Clay, who hit .657 with energy, will change from catcher to being the Capers’ major pitcher. Clay noticed restricted pitching motion final season however was spectacular, permitting solely three hits and one stroll whereas putting out 25 in 13 innings. Clay must be backed by loads of offense, particularly from senior outfielders Dana Schwartz (.550, 25 steals) and Esme Track (.471, 14 steals). Sophomores Lauren Steinberg (catcher) and Sophia Chung (shortstop) will fill key defensive positions after being utility gamers in 2021.

4. Massabesic: In truth, the following 5 groups may very well be grouped in nearly any order – and Westbrook and Noble might make authentic instances that they need to be included, too. However give the Mustangs the sting primarily based on senior pitcher Emily Antrim, who struck out 130 and walked 13 in 74 1/3 innings – particularly if the protection tightens. Of the 42 runs scored in opposition to Antrim within the common season, 20 had been unearned. Junior catcher/shortstop Ella Barden (.357) and sophomore Ava Gerrish (.431) at third are high hitters. Senior Ellie Salvatore, sophomore Katherine Hanlon and freshman Felicia Proctor add pitching depth.

5. South Portland: With 10 returning varsity gamers, together with senior pitcher Mia Micucci, the Purple Riots want to enhance on their 8-8 regular-season file. Robert “Bud” Voss takes over as coach for the late Ralph Aceto. Like Micucci, catcher Elise Connor (.442 final season) will play subsequent on the College of New England. Junior Delaney Whitten is primarily a nook infielder however has the flexibility to play a number of positions and is predicted to bat cleanup after hitting .500 final season. Sophomores Andrea DiMauro (3B/P) and Ella Nickerson (1B/utility) ought to strengthen the offense.

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6. Gorham: Coming off a 12-6 season, the Rams return six starters and 9 varsity gamers and anticipate to make use of three pitchers – senior Riley Grant and sophomores Amber Bretton and Kyleah Mack. Bretton (.569, 34 RBI) leads a robust sophomore class, together with catcher Sophia DiPhillipo, that gained expertise final season. Senior Anya Nagle (1B) and junior Kaci Mollison (OF) are different key contributors on a squad seeking to get previous the regional quarterfinals.

7. Marshwood: Final yr, Marshwood was unexpectedly the No. 1 playoff seed in Class A South whereas enjoying a York County-only schedule due to pandemic restrictions. The Hawks confirmed their 13-3 file was not a hoax, successful three playoff video games earlier than falling to Biddeford within the regional ultimate. Sophomore pitcher Lindsay Bennett, a scholar at Berwick Academy, returns to the mound, and senior catcher Mackenzie Davis, who has dedicated to play at Division I Quinnipiac, can also be again. The Hawks don’t have as a lot depth this season however return 5 starters, together with junior Jadyn Eastman, a second-team all-SMAA decide at second base.

8. Scarborough: Scarborough gained seven Class A titles from 2007 to 2019, together with three straight from 2017-19. Final season, the pitching wasn’t as much as regular Purple Storm requirements and so they had been upset by No. 14 Falmouth (4-14) within the preliminary spherical. Tom Griffin, the group’s veteran coach, feels each Lina Pizzella and Meghan Robinson are higher ready to get high Class A hitters out this season, and freshman Natalie Moynihan will contribute. Heart fielder AJ Swett is a returning all-conference first-team outfielder. “We now have good athletes and good gamers 1 by means of 9,” Griffin mentioned.

9. Fryeburg Academy: Former Raider standout Mackenzie Buzzell takes over for retired Fred Apt as head coach. Fryeburg returns a number of key gamers from the 2021 group that went 14-4, falling to Cape Elizabeth within the Class B South ultimate. Camden Jones (SS/P/C) and outfielder Katy McIntyre are each robust hitters who lead a senior class that features Brooke Emery (1B), Emily Walker (3B), Emma Rydman (IF/OF) and Shelby Purslow.

10. Camden Hills: Camden Hills returns 11 gamers from a 12-6 season whereas enjoying a regional midcoast schedule. Whereas the schedule will probably be harder this season, the expertise, top-end expertise and four-deep pitching employees bodes properly for a postseason run in Class A North. Senior C/3B Alyssa Bland was the KVAC Midcoast Participant of the 12 months after hitting .491 with three homers and 20 RBI. Senior P/1B Lillia Stone (.423 hitter, 3.74 ERA) and senior SS/P Olivia Brown (.415), like Bland, have been on the varsity since their freshman season and had been midcoast all-stars. Sophomore catcher Brenna Mackey and pitchers Kerrigan Peterson and Sierra Laukka are additionally veteran gamers.

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