Jim Lunney couldn’t have been more pleased about the warm weather the past few days.

“That’s what we’re used to playing in,” said the Telstar softball coach.

Anyone bundling up recently knows that Maine is just getting used to these temperatures. The tans the Rebels are sporting certainly aren’t a product of Maine weather.

A week in North Carolina will do that. As the Rebels continue their MVC schedule, they do so after playing five games and practicing under the southern skies.

“The weather was great,” said Lunney. “The teams were very good. It was an outstanding trip for us. We saw some really good softball.”

It was the first time the softball team has taken such a journey. Lunney had been mulling over the idea the last few years. With seven seniors back, the time was right. He pitched the idea at the end of last season.

They raised $11,000 from various fundraisers and after playing their season opener against Livermore Falls, the Rebels headed South for April vacation. They played five games and had plenty of practice time. They also found plenty of beach and sight-seeing time.

They beat two teams comparable to them in size and then lost to three much larger schools. One of those clubs had three players with Division I scholarships.

The trip also fostered confidence and team unity. It was a trip that not only will have lasting memories but also a lasting impact the rest of the season.

“It was an outstanding experience,” said Lunney. “Everything agreed with us – the weather, the people. It was just a real positive experience overall.”

Playing to win

They were tough losses to swallow, but if there was any consolation, the Poland Knights realized that they could compete with the best in the WMC. Poland had lost 3-2 to Lake Region and surrendered six runs in one inning in a 6-2 collapse against Greely. Both clubs were Western B semifinalists last spring and contenders this year.

“It showed us how good of a team we are, and it showed everyone else,” said sophomore Kelli O’Connor. “Everyone thinks that we’re just a weaker team, and they’re going to come in and win and Poland’s not a big deal. It showed we have more than they thought.”

Winning four of their first six games, the Knights are even convincing themselves.

“A lot of the teams we play in the Western Maine Conference have that winning tradition” said coach Susan Robbins. “This is our fifth year, and we’re just starting to create that winning tradition. Any time you go against tough teams and you’re able to beat them and know that you played a great game and earned it, it’s definitely a tribute to our team and what they have inside. They play with their heart, and you can’t ask for any more than that.”

With many Poland programs still trying to establish themselves, Robbins sees athletes not playing to win. With seven seniors back and two sharp young pitchers in O’Connor and Brianna Pratte, the Knights are taking that next step.