Class A

Edward Little and Oxford Hills were both in the playoff chase last year. Each won a prelim before losing in the Eastern A quarterfinals.

The Red Eddies (13-5) lost some veteran talent but still return all-star pitcher Miranda Martin as well as fellow four-year starter Emily Johnson in the outfield. Melissa Paione is a two-year starter at second and is joined by returning outfielder Kristen Whittaker, shortstop Ashlee Arnold and outfielder Kelsey Butcher. There’s a crop of freshmen that should also help keep the Eddies in the tourney chase.

The Vikings (10-8) return the tandem of pitcher Heather Verrier and catcher Dayna Schultz. Also back for Oxford Hills are regulars Allyson Snow at first and outfielders, Mariah Martin and Reba Smith.  Ashley West and Toney Cray were backups last year and return as well. With a proven battery and some experience behind them, the Vikings should be a playoff contender again.

Eastern A should be pretty balanced this season with traditional teams like Skowhegan, Brewer, Bangor and Cony remaining favorites. Teams like Messalonskee and Erskine could make some noise as well.

Mt. Blue won only three games last year but return six senior starters, including catcher Hannah Allen, shortstop Michaela Yeaton, third baseman Tanisha Delarma, second baseman Marcy Smith and outfielders Jillian Perron and Lindsay St. Laurent. Junior pitcher Lexi Howard is among nine total returning players for the Cougars, which where shutout four times last year and lost several games by three runs or less. The Cougars are hoping to turn that luck around and improve greatly on last year.

Lewiston went 0-16  and has nine seniors on the roster this spring. The Blue Devils have just four returning starters in pitcher Kati Dumais, shortstop Lauren Eldridge, third baseman Tamara Roy and outfielder/catcher Kourtney Bartlett.

Class B

Both Oak Hill and Lisbon reached the Western B quarterfinals last year and return teams that should make another strong playoff push.

The Raiders (13-4) return their senior battery of pitcher Lauren Hall and catcher Taylor Fillion. Becca Tucci (infield/outfield) and Katie Wood (outfield) are also returning seniors while juniors Marrissa Caskin (outfield) and Alexis Priest (third base) and sophomore Alyssa Rouleau (second base) all return. The Raiders also have pitcher Kortni Michaud returning, giving Oak Hill depth and experience.

Lisbon (13-5) has 12 players back including five seniors. Shauna Riordan (third base), Brooke Lawrence (shortstop), Alexa Harmon (outfield), Kyrstin Ramich (first base), Haley Eck (catcher) and pitcher Kimber Morse all help make the Greyhounds a veteran team that should be a threat in Western B once again.

Fryeburg should be strong after a young Raider team won the Western B final with just three seniors.  Both Maranacook and Gray-New Gloucester lost some talent but could still be in the playoff hunt. Greely should be in the mix as well.

Poland (5-11), Mountain Valley (4-10) and Leavitt (4-12) all missed the playoffs last year but hope to rebound.

The Knights and Hornets each have five returning starters. Poland returns Kate Bridgham, Cassie Mocciola, Colleen Murphy, Katie Love and Kat Seeley.  The Hornets have pitcher Adrie Newton, shortstop Mariah Treadwell,  third baseman Tori Zupancic,  outfielder  Shannon Clarke and first baseman  Shelby St. Pierre.

In Eastern B, Winslow and Gardiner could be contenders from the KVAC while the final four clubs of Hermon, Old Town, Mattanawcook and Bucksport should be strong as well.

Class C

Telstar and Georges Valley remain the teams to beat in Western C.

The Rebels went 18-0 and won the Class C state title and graduated just three seniors. Telstar has six MVC all-star back including pitcher Kayla Merrill, shortstop Lyndsay Merrill, outfielder Hannah Morin, first baseman Nicena Walker and third baseman Katie Sumner. Also returning is outfielder Tasha Farnum and Sarah Averill, who was a starter two years ago but missed last season.

The Bucs went 16-1 before losing to the Rebels in the regional final and graduated just two seniors.

Jay, Mt. Abram and Monmouth were all playoff teams last year and should make a run at the tourney again. The Tigers have much of its team returning after Paula Despres stepped in to pitch the Tigers to a 9-6 mark last year. The Roadrunners (10-6)  lost some veteran talent but still have pitcher Molly McCafferty to lead the way. The Mustangs (8-7) lost just one senior and should be on the rebound after dealing with injuries and low numbers last year.

Dirigo went 10-5 before losing in the quarterfinals. The Cougars return seven starters including pitchers Kyme Dolloff and Alyssa Wade as well as fellow MVC all-stars catcher Alyssa Charity and outfielder Mariah Larsen.

Hall-Dale and Madison should be two other MVC teams that could challenge for the postseason while Sacopee Valley could be solid as well.

Livermore Falls (5-11) and Winthrop (3-11) both missed the tourney last year but could improve.

St. Dom’s also fell short, going 7-9 after losing its starting pitcher to injury before the season. The Saints return seniors Hannah Sterling, Meagan Lawrence, Meghan Murphy, Sarah Gosselin, Amanda Cullen, juniors Dayle Jordan, Becky Trytek, Mary Caron, Amanda Turcotte and sophomore Lexi Casey to a team that should make a playoff push.

Class D

The balance of power in Western D shouldn’t change. Richmond and Buckfield will likely be the two top teams. The Bobcats went 16-1 and took the Class D state title. Richmond only has one returning senior but still has most of last year’s club back making them favorites once again.

Buckfield went 12-2 before eventually losing to Richmond in the regional final. The Bucks  graduated five seniors and a wealth of experience and talent, but still have a strong group returning.

Rangeley has a new coach in Ashley Quimby. She’s the team’s third in three years. After going 7-7, the Lakers have nine returning players, including Allie Hammond who has been out of action since a knee injury in soccer. Rangeley certainly could improve enough to earn a playoff spot and be a tough out for somebody in June.