Lawrence spring sports previews
Boys track
Coach: Tim Alberts
Last season: 5th in KVAC A, 19th in Class A
Top returners: Rossiter Mosher (Sr., mid-distance), Dean Pelletier (Sr., race walk), Michael Brooks (Sr., mid-distance), Sebastian Peters (Jr., distance), Brooks Spaulding (Sr., jumps), Dylan Bellefleur (Sr., throws), Jake Hayes (Sr., throws), Brian Moore (Jr., mid-distance), Chris Low (Jr., mid-distance), Eric Pratt (Sr., jumps), Miles Emery (Sr., throws)
Key newcomers: Josiah White (So., sprints), Shaun Carroll Jr. (Fr., sprinter), Matt Perkins (Sr., sprints, jumps), Derek Giggey (So., throws), Scott Scully (throws), Stewart Thomas (Fr., pole vault)
Outlook: Lawrence returns a lot of talented athletes and should be in the upper tier of the KVAC again. Peters and Brooks should score well while Spaulding is coming off a great season, in which he qualified for the state meet in the high jump.
Coachs comment: I think across the board this could be one of the best boys outdoor teams weve had in awhile.
Girls track
Coach: Tim Alberts
Last season: 11th in KVAC A
Top returners: Abby McQuilkin (Sr., discus, shot put), Darcie Dennis (Jr., hurdles), Jenna Semetelli (Jr., sprints), Molly Cooper (Sr., sprints, mid-distance), Sara Quimby (So., sprints), Lindsey Ball (Jr., mid-distance), Samara Garcia (So., mid-distance)
Key newcomers: Sara Fuller (Fr., mid-distance), Sarah Heald (Fr., distance), Chynna Fuller (Fr., distance), Hannah Shepherd (Fr., sprints, jumps), Katie McQuilkin (Fr., hurdles, throws), Jaimie Belanger (So., jumps), Lisa Fowler (Fr., pole vault), Miranda Costigan (Fr., sprints)
Outlook: The Bulldogs feature some strong sprinters and Alberts is confident the team can dramatically improve from last season. Cooper qualified in the 100 and 200 at the Class A meet. Lawrence also should improve in the throwing events as well, with Abby McQuilkin leading the way.
Coachs comment: I think were looking at better team. I would love to see us find our way in the top eight of the league. I dont think its not realistic.
Baseball
Coach: Wally Covell (8th season)
Last season: 6-10 in Eastern A
Top returners: Brock Lawrence (Sr., 3B), Ben Violette (Sr., 2B), Tommy Drouin (Sr., OF), Jake Laverriere (Sr., P-1B), Chris DeRaps (Jr., P-1B), Blair Blaisdell (So., SS-P), Shawn Russell (So., P-OF)
Key newcomers: Nick Blood (Sr., 1B), Chris Folsom (Jr., 2B), Dillon Stout (Jr., C-OF), Dakota Marshall (So., OF), Matt Woodbury (So., C), Mike Capponi (So., P-1B), Alex Leathers (Fr., P-IF-OF)
Outlook: The Bulldogs return two starters in Lawrence and Violette, but a talented sophomore class will contribute immediately. Russell, Blaisdell and DeRaps are the teams top three pitchers, while Woodbury takes over behind the plate.
Coachs comment: Our pitching is encouraging. I think it will be better than last year.
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