Eastern A

Cony and Brewer continued to be among the top programs in Class A last season and should maintain that trend. Bangor should be solid as well.

Oxford Hills reached the semifinals before losing to Cony. The Vikings return pitcher Crystal West and catcher Annika Kahkonen. Anna Winslow, Abby Bernier, Jordyn Sanborn and Angel Witham are all returning regulars that should keep the Vikings in the playoff chase.

Edward Little missed the tourney last year but have a solid core back that could earn a playoff spot. Kory Norcross (P/1b) and Danny Rock (3b) were both KVAC picks. Kennedy Hubbard is a two-year starter behind the plate as is pitcher/outfielder Emily Schario.

Mt. Blue is looking to improve with its third coach in as many seasons. The Cougars are young with Kristen Brown being the only senior but there’s a solid group of juniors including Shula Yeaton, Mandi Currier, Kiana Thompson, Krista McLatchy, Crystal Kwon and Destiny Nelson.

Lewiston has three returning seniors in infielder Cleo Miller, pitcher/outfielder Erica Brochu and pitcher Michelle Malia. Junior infielder Maegan Mathon is also a regular that should lead an improved Blue Devils team.

Western B

Leavitt reached the semifinals before losing to Greely. The Hornets have six returning starters but will still be young with a roster of mostly juniors and sophomores. Returning for Leavitt are junior starters Annie Castonguay (C), Sierra Santomango (3B), Melissa Richardson (SS/2B) and Emily Perkins (OF). Seniors Michelle Morin (P), Sarah Pare (1B), and Sarah Enos (OF) all return as well.

Fryeburg should be a team to beat once again. Greely will be solid while Gray-New Gloucester should be another tourney team out of the WMC.

Spruce Mountain lost most of its infield from last year’s club. The Phoenix still have returnees in outfielders Cassie Couture, Lorayanna Tracy, Emily Acritelli and Ashley Robbins as well as Emily Keene at short, pitcher Katelin Castonguay and catcher Ladesta Tracy.

Mountain Valley was another prelim team last year that hopes to challenge for a return to the playoffs. The Falcons finished eight and lost to Lake Region.

Oak Hill finished 10^th overall and lost in a prelim. The Raiders return pitcher Kortni Michaud and catcher Brooke LeBel. Infielder Alyssa Rouleau is a four-year starter that leads a team that should be competitive in its MVC debut.

Poland earned the 11^th seed and lost to Spruce Mountain last spring. The Knights have experience in the infield but two young pitchers in sophomores Kolby Woods and Kylie Martin. Seniors Brittina Maheux (3b), Melora Lavoie (1b) and  junior shortstop Lindsay Theriault are the returning starters.

 Western C

Dirigo lost a couple of key players from last year’s Western C champions, but the Cougars have a solid core returning that make them a contender once again. Seniors Tasha DeRoche, Ambyr Wilson, Natalie Bolduc, Gretchen Bradbury and junior Britney Ellis lead a Dirigo team that should be a top club in the MVC.

Madison and Sacopee Valley will be among the top teams in  Western C as well.

Lisbon lost in the semifinals to the Hawks and now have a team comprised of nine sophomores. Infielders Bailey Madore and Chantal Bisson are the only two returning seniors. Juniors Oliva Harrington (OF) and Jenna Clifford (OF) also return. The Greyhounds graduated their pitcher and catcher and will rely on a pair of sophomores those roles.

Telstar will be another team to watch. The Rebels lost in the quarterfinals last year but return seven starters. Seniors Rachael Wheeler (OF), Taylor Savage (1b) and  juniors Jessica Dirago (P), Autum Morin (3B) and Maisey Griffin (SS/OF) all return. Sophomore Sadie Ellsworth will catch while the Rebels also returns senior Autumn Berry, who played at Oxford Hills last year.

Monmouth also reached the quarterfinals and should be a tourney team again. The Mustangs return seniors Bri Hicks and Daisi Poole as well as juniors Kylie Kemp and Sabrina Beck.

St. Dom’s was a young squad last year and should improve. Seniors Bethany Fox, Lexi Casey and Sarah Trott are all returning starters.  The Saints also have  juniors Mckenna Lachapelle and sophomores Jacqueline Schmitz, Kym Johnson, Sam Ladd and Johanna Cullenberg returning.

Mt. Abram and Winthrop both missed the playoffs last year but hope to improve. Both teams have new coaches and some experienced talent back that should keep them competitive with the rest of the MVC.

Western D

Richmond will be the team to beat with much of its title team back from last year.

Rangeley graduated some senior talent from the Lakers run to the regional final. The team still has enough experience to be one of the better teams in Western D.

After a rare loss in the semifinals, Buckfield may be ready to bounce back. The Bucks are young but should still be a team among the top clubs in Western D. The Bucks lost their starting pitcher, catcher, shortstop and right fielder but return outfielders Arrabine Dunn and Alannah Knox as well as infielders Hannah Gallant, Samantha Zak and Elizabeth Damon.