Fryeburg and Buckfield both claimed state championship crowns last year and appear to be in position to challenge for follow-up titles this spring.

The Raiders return much of the squad that beat Medomak Valley in the Class B final while the Bucks lost three players critical to their come-from-behind win over Bangor Christian in the Class D state final.

Here’s a look at how the various local classes are shaping up this softball season.

Class A

Eastern A could have an abundance of quality teams. Bangor, Brewer and Skowhegan should all be strong in the KVAC North. Cony returns most of its team and should be a force in the KVAC South.

Edward Little could make some noise after going 5-11 last year. The Red Eddies return a veteran lineup led by the battery of pitcher Alyssa Levesque and catcher Becca Witten. Shortstop Emily Grund, infielders Kayla Cummings and Megan Hussar as well as outfielders Jena Dubois, Miranda Martin and Emily Johnson are all returning.

Oxford Hills went 9-7 and could be improved with a year of experience. The Vikings have senior pitchers Kristy Jurczak and Megan Gauger back along with catcher Mindy Rugg and shortstop Caitln Hanley.

Lewiston lost a wealth of talent from the 13-3 team from last year. The Blue Devils will use three pitchers – Mariah Conway, Patricia Defosse and Bianca Langelier. Lewiston also has outfielders Michelle Caron, Erica Morin, and infielders Lyndsay Smith and Courtney Reynolds returning to starting roles.

Leavitt went 4-12 last year and has another young team. Megan Miller is a three-year starter at shortstop and Brittani Nelson, Dominique Herman and Kassara Varney are all returning starters.

Mt. Blue also went 4-12 and had a new coach step in at the last minute, but the Cougars have 10 returning players.

Class B

The Raiders should be one of the favorites to repeat but there won’t be any shortage of quality Western B hoping to change that.

Maranacook and Cape Elizabeth were ranked second and third last year and should be in the hunt again. Gray-New Gloucester has a new coach but junior pitcher Laura Getchell, who struck out 222 in 114 innings last year, leads the returnees that also include all-conference juniors Taylor Damon (OF) and Abby Ryan (2nd).

Greely won 10 games last year should be another playoff contender while Oak Hill went 11-5. The Raiders graduated seven regulars but have core of returnees that should put Oak Hill in the playoff hunt.

The Raiders have an experienced battery with sophomore pitcher Lauren Hall and catcher Becca Roberts. Also returning are juniors Sarah Albert, Andrea Jenney and sophomores Becca Belaire and Taylor Fillion.

Lisbon went 9-5 last year and could be another playoff team but must replace its battery. The Greyhounds return seniors Sam Purcell (3B) Kala Michaud (1B,OF,P), Brooke Merritt (OF), junior Ashley Beaulieu (OF) and sophomores Shauna Riordan (UT), Krystin Ramich (1B), Nicole Conrad (C/OF) and Crystal Ingerson (P/OF).

Lake Region, Poland and Mountain Valley could all be improved squads and in contention for playoff berths as well.

Class C

Telstar should be a contenders again in Western C. Pitchers Candace Hall and Kayla Merrill return. The Rebels also have third baseman Whitney Mills, outfielder Hannah Morin, shortstop TJ Cowin, catcher Sam Largess and second baseman Lindsay James back.

The defending state champs from Georges Valley lost the entire infield but still has its outfield and pitcher returning. Monmouth should be another contender after going 12-2. Catcher Bethany Neal and outfielder Alyssa Morin lead a young Mustang club that doesn’t have a lot of depth.

St. Dom’s won 10 games last year while Jay won 11. Both teams should be in the playoff hunt. Mt. Abram was another tourney team and won nine games with a young team. Sophomore pitcher Molly McCafferty returns while Kenni Norton, Dani Smith and Jillian Withee lead the infield behind her.

Teams like Madison and Hall-Dale could also challenge for playoff spots. Livermore Falls, Dirigo and Winthrop were competitive with teams last year, despite losing records, and could improve this year.

Class D

Buckfield graduated its veteran battery and also lost shortstop Ashlee Hamann to a knee injury. That leaves the Bucks a little thinner and younger. Junior Brittany Wiley pitched well in her opportunities last year and will assume the starting role. Senior LeAnn Abbott leads the returning Bucks that could still be a contender in Western D.

Richmond lost in the regional final last year and lost five key players, including its pitcher. The Bobcats will likely start four freshmen and four or five sophomores. Valley and Forest Hills could be competitive in the field as well. Rangeley (6-9) could be a force with 11 returning players. The Lakers are led by a veteran group of seniors in Karissa Allen, Samantha Olivieri, Angela White and Hayley White.