GRAY – It is quite a feat when you can lose one of the best pitchers your program has ever had and replace her with someone just as good, if not better.

When the Gray-New Gloucester softball team graduated veteran hurler Paige Bodwell after a stellar career with the Patriots, G-NG had Kelly Bregman warming up.

“Obviously we’re blessed a little bit,” said Patriots coach John Moody. “She’s been very patient, waiting her turn. She’s performing well, and I’m very happy for her.”

After two years of pitching sparingly while Bodwell saw most of the action, Bregman has gotten her chance this year.

“I knew I had a big job to fill after Paige left,” said Bregman, who played outfield as a freshman and sophomore when she wasn’t pitching. “I was looking forward to it definitely because I’ve been wanting some pitching time. So I was pretty psyched.”

She’s certainly met expectations and helped lead G-NG back to the state championship game, which it won two seasons ago. In her three playoff games, she’s allowed just one run and 10 hits, against some formidable teams, including the defending Class B state champs from Greely.

“The last three games her toughness has really been there,” said Moody. “I told her Friday, “you’ve been throwing well all year but (against Greely) you became a pitcher.” She was just incredibly tough.”

Bregman came into high school with plenty of potential. She had great velocity and all the makings of a standout pitcher. She impressed Moody so much that he felt he had to get her a share of starts to aid her development.

“We knew that she was going to be a good one,” said Moody. “Her freshman year, Paige was a junior. She put her time in. Last year, Kelly and I discussed it. She only pitched a few games for us. She knew it was year, and she was ready to go.”

She was allowed to work in slowly, learn from Bodwell and prepare herself for the role she ultimately had this year.

“I saw what Paige did and how Paige threw,” said Bregman. “I kind of looked up to her to know what I had to do and when to do it. I’ve kind of been gaining those skills.”

It came a bit slowly at first this year. The pressure increased. She knew the team would sink or swim with her on the mound.

“The first part of the year we were hoping the mental toughness could be there,” said Moody. “The first part of the year, she was kind of struggling with that. They’d get runners on, and we’d walk one or two. We’d bobble the ball or she’d give up a hit. I don’t expect her to strikeout every player. We expect certain things and certain pitches not to be thrown. As the season progressed, it’s gotten better.”

She’s been working on her pitches and getting more accustomed to working with catcher Emily Baker. The opportunity to pitch regularly has helped build her confidence and get into a rhythm.

“It helps immensely,” said Bregman. “It’s a lot of work, but it definitely pays off. I know what I have to do and where I have to do it, gaining control is what I have to do.

“I feel more confident this year. I don’t know if that’s because of my infield or my catcher, but I feel more confident.”

The team has gotten accustomed to her as well. After a full regular season and an extended string of preseason games in Florida, the Patriots are well versed as a team.

“She got ready,” said Moody. “She didn’t play basketball this year. She pitched all winter. Obviously, she’s here. I couldn’t be more pleased with the way she’s played. She’s not only a proven pitcher, but she’s got a great bat. You couldn’t ask for anything more.”