MONMOUTH – Rachel Bernier admits it can be a bit of an adventure.

Her Monmouth Academy Mustangs are not only few in number but lacking in varsity experience. More than half her team is freshmen. That left her squad with potential for a few growing pains this season.

“When you’re playing so many freshmen that are coming from middle school softball and going to the intensity of Mountain Valley Conference softball, it’s tough,” said Bernier. “They just don’t have the mental capacity yet because it is so much quicker. But we’re getting there. All I can ask from them is to give me 100 percent. Every time they do, win or lose, we’re okay.”

The Mustangs have just two losses, both by one run. They’re currently 8-2 and were ranked fifth in the last Western C standings.

Among the newcomers are infielders Angie Bechard at short, Colby Wilson at second and outfielders Sarah Campbell, Tiffany Bussiere and Megan Bates. Bernier says some of her young players might be playing at the JV levels in other programs to get more seasoning, but these Mustangs have had to learn by trial and error.

“For us to be where we are with what we have, we’ve come a long way,” said Bernier.

Another first-year player is pitcher Reen Kahl. She stepped into a vacant pitcher’s mound and accepted one of the toughest challenges but has embraced her chance.

“Overall it’s been a good year,” said Kahl. “I like pitching. So I’m fine with stepping in there. I wasn’t sure what we’d be seeing with wins and losses, but I’m at the point where I want to be.”

The Mustangs have some veterans in senior catcher Bethany Neal, senior outfielder Alyssa Morin, junior first baseman Lindsey Smith and sophomore infielders Kelsi and Kristi Hilton. Their presence plays a big role for the newcomers.

“I have a good field behind me,” said Kahl. “I’m very blessed to have Bethany behind the plate. She calls a good game. She catches very well. She frames the ball.”

Kahl has proven to be a steady and confident presence on the mound, enabling the young Mustangs to play beyond their years a bit.

“She’s a young lady that doesn’t show a lot of emotion,” said Bernier. “We’ve been trying to get her to open up and relax a little bit, but on the mound, that’s what you want. You want someone that’s cool, calm and collected and let’s everything else go and focuses on what they need to do.”

New coach – again

Lanie Roy isn’t new to Mt. Abram softball.

She graduated from the school in 2003 before heading to the University of Presque Isle.

She’s back at the school as a first-year varsity coach, the Roadrunner’s third coach in three years. Thus far, it has been a great fit for Roy and her new team. Mt. Abram is currently 8-3 and ranked fourth in the Western C standings.

“I really like it,” said Roy. “I always wanted to coach. (Former coach) Jeff (Pillsbury) all the way through, he taught me everything, not just coaching but why you do things in situations. I love the game, and I love to watch them play. It makes it easier to coach them.”

Roy says she’s fortunate to have a great group of players. The Roadrunners have veteran seniors like Kenni Norton, Rebecca London, Reachell and Rebecca Fullerton as well as a talented junior group in starters Emma Twitchell, Jillian Withee and Kylie Rolbiecki.

“It’s great,” said Roy. “The girls are great. It’s a great team to have your first year coaching. I have four seniors and my pitcher (Molly McCafferty) and catcher (Danni Smith) are both sophomores. I have a couple of juniors and a freshman. It’s a great bunch to start out with. They know the game, and they’re heads up.”

Roy has a team that has experience and speed on the bases. It allows her club to be aggressive and force teams to make plays.

Her work with the Roadrunners is already earning attention from other MVC coaches.

“She’s doing a hell of a job,” said Monmouth coach, Rachel Bernier. “They’re one of the top teams in the league.The kids are well-disciplined and they listen to her which is unbelievable for a young coach.”