04/11/2008
Last year was one of the strangest seasons in Eastern A softball in recent memory. The No. 1 seed (Brunswick) was knocked out in the quarterfinals, and the regional final had No. 12 Skowhegan defeating No. 6 Cony.
It's quite possible that the seeds in Eastern A won't mean much again this season, in large part because the teams from the Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference North and South divisions rarely cross over. This makes it tough to get a feel for the relative strengths of the divisions, but North coaches are unanimous that senior-laden Hampden and Bangor will be strong this season.
In the South, if Cony isn't the top team, the Rams will once again be right up there. Cony faltered early on last season before making a run and toppling the second and third seeds in the playoffs.
This year may follow a similar pattern, as Cony will probably need some time to jell. Pitcher Mika Wilson, catcher Maegan Cloutier and third baseman Chelsea Soule are the only returning starters.
"We've got pitching, and we've got enough hitting to be very competitive, but we've got some holes to plug," Cony coach Rocky Gaslin said.
Nokomis had as good a shot as anyone to represent Eastern A in the state title game last season. Unfortunately for the Warriors, they drew the regional champion in the first round. Nokomis lost that game 2-0 to Skowhegan, despite getting seven runners in scoring position and outhitting the Indians, 5-3.
Nokomis coach J.D. McLellan is trying to develop an offense that will prevent that kind of result this season. The Warriors return speedy leadoff hitter Autumn Silke and cleanup hitter Sammy Moore, which is a good start.
"Our returners are going to be very good," McLellan said. " A lot of them played summer ball."
On the mound, senior Patrice Cianchette isn't overpowering, but she always pitches intelligently and gives the Warriors a chance to win. The Nokomis defense is also a plus.
Which was the real Skowhegan last spring? The team that finished the regular season 8-8, or the one that won four games in a row to win the Eastern A title? The old adage says the truth is in the middle, and logic says it's tough to count on making that kind of run from a low seed every year.
The Indians lost pitcher Katlyn Steward, but coach Lee Johnson says they have another potentially good one in sophomore Rebecca McCarty.
"She's worked extremely hard, probably harder than any kid I've ever seen as far as pitching," Johnson said. "When she learns to trust her stuff and trust her teammates, she's going to be very effective."
Skowhegan also has some capable hitters returning, led by sophomores Sam Gray and Megan Hancock. With so many players moving around, the Indians were hoping for a long preseason, but instead will have to use the opening games to solidify their lineup and defense.
Messalonskee was unusually competitive for a 2-14 team last season, with one or two bad innings often making the difference. The Eagles are younger than any team in the area except possibly Class C Carrabec, but coach Leo Bouchard likes what he sees from the players as far as dedication.
"These girls play a lot of summer ball," Bouchard said. "They play indoor ball in the winter. Wherever there's an opportunity, they play ball."
Mt. Blue has just four returning players from the team that went 11-7 last season and lost a 1-0 decision to perennial power Brewer in the Eastern A quarterfinals. Coach Mary Berry is back for her second year, and says the Cougars will get better as they get more time on the field.
"We're very young, very inexperienced," Berry said. "As the girls see what the varsity level is all about and gain their confidence, we'll be fine as the season progresses."
If you look at the top four batters from Lawrence's final playoff game last spring, all four are playing in college. Those graduations and a couple others have kicked off a rebuilding process for the Bulldogs. Lawrence still has four returning starters in Paige Dicker, Megan Lovley, Janie O'Halloran and Aimee Vigue. Dicker and Katie Hopkins are the only seniors, so the Bulldogs potentially have a nice nucleus for the future.
Matt DiFilippo -- 861-9243
mdifilippo@centralmaine.com
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