PARIS – In a big return to the good old (pre-pandemic) days, high school sports this spring will see a full season of games with no required masking or crowd limits. Teams will be able to travel further and get reacquainted with old rivals. Individuals will get their chance to shine on the field or court.
In Oxford Hills, Athletic Director Kevin Ryan says athletes are more than ready to go.
“We believe that all our teams are contenders,” Ryan told the Advertiser Democrat this week. “We expect that Oxford Hills to do well.
Oxford Hills’ Ashlee Farrar passes to teammate Celia Melanson during a home game against Mt. Blue last spring. Brewster Burns photo
“Our senior athletes are getting their first full season since their sophomore year.”
There will be seven senior boys and four girls returning to compete in outdoor track and field this spring. Its opening meet will be at Mt. Blue High School in Farmington on April 22. One week later on April 29 the Vikings will host its first meet at home at Gouin Field, with boys’ and girls’ teams from Brunswick, Edward Little and Maranacook visiting.
The girls’ tennis team has a young roster but three seniors will take to the court for their final high school season, Madison Gordon, Abigail Hansen and Sydney Youngs. The Vikings first match is today at Edward Little and they will hold their season opener at home on April 27 against the Lewiston Blue Devils.
After a 15-3 2021 season, the girls’ softball team will look to push further in the playoffs this year. Ryan said five seniors are back to compete this spring. The Vikings’ season starts tomorrow when they travel to Yarmouth to play against the Clippers. On April 27 they will host Edward Little at home.
OHCHS varsity baseball has been a perennial top seed and contender the last few years. The team has five returning seniors and high expectations. It’s season opener will be a home game, with Cumberland’s Greely Rangers visiting on April 18.
Oxford Hills’ Zach Louvat pushes Mt. Blue’s Chase Ranger out of bounds behind the Vikings’ goal during a home game last May. Brewster Burns photo
Boys lacrosse spring season gets underway tomorrow with its first game at Gardner. Vikings fans will have to wait until May to watch the team at home. Their opener will be on May 3, hosting Maranacook at Gouin Field. Nine seniors are playing their final season.
Girls lacrosse has five seniors on its 2022 team. They will give Oxford Hills its first chance to see a Vikings teams play at home this season. They face-off against Fryeburg on Saturday at Gouin Field. Game time will be 12:30 p.m.
“We’re looking for a season with sunny skies and good weather,” Ryan said. “And no restrictions.”
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