2023 softball preview capsules

BUCKFIELD BUCKS
Coach: Shawn Prokey (first year)
Class: D South; Conference: MVC
Last year’s results: 9-9, lost in regional semifinals.
Returning athletes: Seniors — Emma Stevens-Belanger (OF/IF), Abigail Prokey (SS/C); Junior — Addison Stevens-Belanger (CF); Sophomores — Carmen Crockett (P/1B), Annabelle Thone (OF), Cori Merrill (SS/2B), Amelia Hill (C/IF), Cora Brewster (3B/1B).
Key losses: Alyssa Litchfield, Kayden Haylock, McKenna Ridlon.
Promising newcomers: Junior — Lillian Sharples (P/3B); Sophomores — Brittany Carrier (IF/OF), Kallista Stearns (OF), Kai Trenoweth (IF/OF); Freshmen — Chloee Bennett (C/2B), Alyssa Breton (OF), Emma Hooper (1B/OF), Camryn Brickel (OF/2B).
Season outlook: With several returning players and eager newcomers, first-year coach Shawn Prokey said the Bucks are excited to embark on the upcoming season. He added that the team seems “more than ready to build off of last year’s successes and take it to the next level.”

DIRIGO COUGARS
Coach: Scott Robbins (first year)
Class: C South; Conference: MVC
Last year’s results: 7-10, lost in first round.
Returning athletes: Seniors — Grace Robbins (P), Marissa LaPointe (2B/UTL), Alivia Ellis (1B), Kallie Errington (C), Emma MacFarlane (2B); Junior — Jaycie Holmquist (LF/P); Sophomores — Alyssa Ellis (RF) Emily Woods (CF), Layla Merrill (LF).
Key losses: Abby Stevens, Alyvia Perreault.
Promising newcomers: Seniors — Jayce Brophy (OF/SS), Caly Gordon (UTL), Emma Hebert (DH); Sophomore — Haylee Gailloux (INF/UTL); Freshmen — Nikole Turnbull (SS/OF), Lana Waite (P/3B).
Season outlook: With the return of a veteran battery — Grace Robbins and Kallie Errington — and upperclassmen players alongside hard-working underclassmen, first-year coach Scott Robbins said the Cougars expect to be competitive in the MVC this season.

EDWARD LITTLE RED EDDIES
Coach: Elaine Derosby (19th year)
Class: A North; Conference: KVAC
Last year’s results: 7-10, lost in first round.
Returning athletes: Seniors — Erin Cowie (IF/OF), Amanda Raymond (IF), Madisyn Scott (P/IF); Juniors — Tiana Avila (IF/OF), Emily Horton (IF/DP), Izzy Jalbert (C/IF/OF), Leah Thibodeau (OF/P); Sophomores — Alexis Kelsea (OF), Kassidy Lobb (P/IF/OF).
Key losses: Julia Bilodeau, Madison Emmert.
Promising newcomers: Senior — Kayla Blanchard; Junior — Paige Coleman; Sophomore — Aleiah Ward; Freshmen — Nellie Feeney, Kylee Lebrun.
Season outlook: The Red Eddies are looking to build off their experience and offseason work. Derosby said the players are “working with the understanding that each of them is a piece of the puzzle that will be built for this team to be successful and will support each other along the journey.” She added that the Eddies are aiming to improve in each game so they will be at their best as they get deeper into the season.

GRAY-NEW GLOUCESTER PATRIOTS
Coach: Gene Keene (first year)
Class: B South; Conference: WMC
Last year’s results: 4-13, lost in first round.
Returning athletes: Seniors — Skye Chandler (IF), Ashley Lang (C/OF), Heather Nevells (OF), Cadence Norris (OF), Caitlin Taylor (P/IF); Juniors — Mackenzie Gervais (IF/OF), Maisie Lerette (P/C/IF); Sophomores — Ervena Belcher (IF), Lily Tellefsen (IF).
Key losses: Anna Gilbert, Morgan Curtis, Isabel Rondeau.
Promising newcomers: Freshmen — Piper Aube, Briella Beers, Emily Carroll, Molly Clough, Novinha Comtois, Audrey Getchell, Ryenne Grant, Elyssa Thacker.
Season outlook: With two sophomores and eight freshmen on the roster and an entirely new coaching staff, first-year coach Gene Keene said the Patriots will need strong leadership from the returning players. “The goals are simple,” Keene said, “work hard every day, get better every day, enjoy the game every day and be playing our best softball at the end of the season.”

LEAVITT HORNETS
Coach: Kevin Leonard (ninth year)
Class: B South; Conference: KVAC
Last year’s results: 12-6, reached regional quarterfinals.
Returning athletes: Seniors — Lilly Chabot (OF/C), Sam Withee (3B), Logan Arsenault (OF), Kira Welch (P); Juniors — Sam DeBlois (1B), Nola Boutaugh (SS), Maddie Dutil (OF), Abby Albert (P), Emily Poland (C); Sophomore — Hailey Turcotte (P/2B).
Key losses: Kori Hathorne, Sarah Perkins.
Promising newcomers: Freshmen — Hailey Cyr (P), Jordan Boulay (IN/OF).
Season outlook: The Hornets found a rhythm near the midway point of last season and won eight of their final 10 games. They hope to recapture that this season. Leonard said the pitching is the best Leavitt has had in years, and if the hitting can maintain last year’s level, “It could be a very interesting season.”

LEWISTON BLUE DEVILS
Coach: Ryan Cormier (fifth year)
Class: A North; Conference: KVAC
Last year’s results: 6-11, lost in first round.
Returning athletes: Senior — Elissa Nadeau (1B); Junior — Aubrey Peer (C/3B); Sophomore — Ava Dionne (P/2B).
Key losses: Charlotte Cloutier, Ahna Dostie, Bella Miller, Sage Cormier, Brooklyn Mynahan, Mackenzie Anderson, Katie Laslie, Morgan Brown.
Promising newcomers: Juniors — Jersey Cunningham (OF), Reese Maynard (OF); Sophomore — Aubrey Wood (OF); Freshmen — Juliet Philippon (IF), Ava Marquis (IF), Shelby Vallee (IF), Irelyn Ackley (IF), Isabella Enos (IF), Maija Raymond (IF).
Season outlook: The Blue Devils are young, with only three returning varsity players, but Ryan Cormier said that they also are a talented group with players eager to step up and fill open roles. “I expect our team to build off the small things each game we play and gain more confidence as a program together,” Cormier said.

LISBON GREYHOUNDS
Coach: Nikki Delcourt Austin (third year)
Class: C South; Conference: MVC
Last year’s results: 5-12, lost in first round.
Returning athletes: Seniors — Maria Levesque (3B/UTL), Emily Libby (1B/UTL); Juniors — Elle Burkhardt (2B), Marina Davis (LF), Alivia Field (RF); Sophomores — Brooke Norman (SS), Delaney McGrath (C), Mackenzie Theriault (OF).
Key losses: Erica Hill, Sophie Maloy.
Promising newcomers: Freshmen — Ava Kottman, Alivia Saunders.
Season outlook: The Greyhounds, according to Delcourt Austin, are looking to build off their growth of the past two seasons, which they spent rebuilding with a young group of players. But now those players have become a seasoned core that will be helped by a group of young and talented freshmen. Delcourt Austin said Lisbon is looking forward to a competitive season.

MONMOUTH MUSTANGS
Coach: Dave Kaplan (11th year)
Class: C South; Conference: MVC
Last year’s results: 14-4, reached regional quarterfinals.
Returning athletes: Seniors — Brooklyn Federico (P), Grace Levesque (INF/OF); Juniors — Maddie Herr (2B), June Foyt (C); Sophomores — Shanna Parsons (1B/P), Isabella Lyons (INF/OF), Rileigh Chase (SS), Zara Salk (OF).
Key losses: Casey Kaplan (OF), Kate Laliberte (SS), Taylor Truman (3B).
Promising newcomers: Senior — Kamdyn Beaule (OF); Freshmen — Riley Smith (INF/OF), Gabryelle Kunze (OF), Kaitlyn Frost (INF/OF).
Season outlook: The strong returning pitching of righty Federico and lefty Parsons — with a veteran catcher, Foyt, behind the plate — makes the Mustangs a force in the MVC this season. The offense will be paced by a core of veterans who hit well last year, including Federico, Parsons, Chase, Herr and Foyt. The infield is solid and experienced, but the outfield lacks experience. Dave Kaplan said one of the keys to success will be bringing the young outfielders up to speed. He added that staying healthy will be important because Monmouth is a small squad.

MOUNTAIN VALLEY FALCONS
Coach: Gary Dolloff (21st year)
Class: C South; Conference: MVC
Last year’s results: 8-10, reached regional quarterfinals.
Returning athletes: Seniors — Emma Clukey (3B), Lily Bedard (OF), Sam Briggs (1B); Juniors — Brooke Bennett (CF), Lanee Boucher (P), Mallorie Bourret (SS), Brooke Brown (C), Maisy Chase (P), Ali Mazza (LF); Sophomores — Madisyn McLean (1B) Kloe Pelletier (C), Laycee Boucher (2B), Vivian Fournier (3B).
Key losses: Autumn Freeman, Haley Coulombe, Ali Legere.
Promising newcomers: Juniors — Cecelia Gamache, Penny Bishop; Freshmen — Emily Putnam, Minori Philbert, Madison Blanchard, Hayden Chase, Althea Allen, Phoenix Burbank, Lily Boulanger, Annabella Smith.
Season outlook: The Falcons return a lot of experience in the field, which will make them a strong squad this season. They do have to replace ace Ali Legere, who transferred to Gould Academy, but Dolloff said a few players have been working on their pitching in the offseason. Dolloff said he’s confident in the offense, and that Mountain Valley hopes to make a return to the postseason.

MT. ABRAM ROADRUNNERS
Coach: Bridget Blood (seventh year)
Class: C South; Conference: MVC
Last year’s results: 5-12, lost in first round.
Returning athletes: Seniors — Abi Wilcox (CF), Liv Roderick (SS), Savannah Davis (2B); Juniors — Adrianna Stinchfield (P), Ayanna Savage (3B), Randi White (OF), Katelyn Holt (OF).
Key losses: Haley Bate, Kaydence Dunn, Isabella Cain.
Promising newcomers: Juniors — Eva Spear (UTL), Karsyn Rolbiecki (UTL); Sophomores — Jany Pepin (OF), Kaylie Estabrook (IF); Freshmen — Sakari Savage (IF), Ariana Dereszynski (P/IF).
Season outlook: Blood says the Roadrunners should be strong this year. The majority of the core of last year’s team returns, and, she said, “Our returning athletes are excellent leaders.” That will be important with the large group of new talent joining the team this season. “With this combination,” Blood said, “we are confident that we will have a successful season and achieve our goal of hosting a home prelim game. Our team is excited to work hard and push each other to be the best we can be.”

MT. BLUE COUGARS
Coach: Ron Smith (ninth year)
Class: A North; Conference: KVAC
Last year’s results: 1-16, lost in first round.
Returning athletes: Senior — Alyssa Simoneau (P/1B); Sophomores — Maddy Cote (SS), Sadie Irish (3B).
Key losses: Eva Stevens, Lexi Belanger, KK Daggett, Caitlin Burke, Nat Howard, Anna Brackett.
Promising newcomers: Seniors — McKella Ford (P), Katie Conant (IF/OF); Junior — Mikayla Wilton (OF); Sophomores — Rylie Latham (C/IF), Jordan Dunham (OF); Freshmen — Chloe Mayberry (C), Madison Cloutier (P), Abby Farrington (1B/OF), Leah Michaud (OF), Molly Hambrick (IF/OF).
Season outlook: The Cougars are rebuilding this season, with only three returning players. Smith said, “We are young but have positive attitudes and hope to improve every game.”

OAK HILL RAIDERS
Coach: Bud Voss (first year)
Class: C South; Conference: MVC
Last year’s results: 8-10, reached regional quarterfinals.
Returning athletes: Senior — Kelsey Young (P/1B); Juniors — Aubrey McElhaney (C), Madison Castonguay (OF/1B), Sierra Lane (OF); Sophomores — Carlee Austin (SS/P), Ava Rivet (3B), Delia Custer (3B), Lexi Dorman (1B), Eliana Smith (LF).
Key losses: Madison Drew, Amara Denis.
Promising newcomers: Sophomores — Emily Giguere (SS/3B), Hannah Hall (UTL); Freshmen — Emma Dubois (3B), Izzy Whitaker (P/SS), Saryn Blais (2B).
Season outlook: The Raiders were a young but experienced team last year. This season, they are still young — 20 of the 26 athletes in the program are underclassmen — but are even more experienced. Last year’s squad showed a four-win improvement over the previous season and won a playoff game. Voss said that the key to success for Oak Hill this year will be defensive improvement, learning situational softball, and developing the underclassmen and the pitching rotation. In his first season leading the program, Voss added that the goals for his first season leading the program are “to develop a winning culture, improve on individual player development, build confidence and teach team skills that can be utilized on and off the field.”

OXFORD HILLS VIKINGS
Coach: Cindy Goddard (32nd year)
Class: A North; Conference: KVAC
Last year’s results: 14-4, reached regional semifinals.
Returning athletes: Seniors — Miah Gallan (OF), Kaydence Morse (C); Juniors — Maddy Miller (P/SS), Tristen Derenburger (OF), Gabby Wright (3B); Sophomores — Gigi DeVivo (2B), Ali Day (3B).
Key losses: Trinity Bernard, Chloe Estes, Bella DeVivo, Elizabeth Dieterich, Bri Benson.
Promising newcomers: Sophomore — Maddy Oliveira; Freshmen — Atalie Campbell (OF/C), Charlotte McGreevy (P/1B), Cameron Mayhan (P/1B), Kyeria Morse (P/1B).
Season outlook: Goddard said the Vikings have all of the pieces needed “to get to the final game.” Miller, last year’s ace, is part of a strong pitching staff that will again be throwing to catcher Kaydence Morse, the 2022 Sun Journal Player of the Year. Morse is one of many returning players who can hit the ball for power. “The goal will be for the team to be at its best in the end,” Goddard said.

POLAND KNIGHTS
Coach: Kat Meader (seventh year)
Class: B South; Conference: WMC
Last year’s results: 17-2, reached regional semifinal.
Returning athletes: Seniors — Alyssa Hart (2B/OF), Maggie McGlauflin (OF); Juniors — Gretchyn Paradis (P/OF/SS), Khloe O’Leary (SS/P), Sydney Lacombe (1B/OF); Sophomore — Olivia Rioux (C/3B/OF).
Key losses: Atlantis Martin, Emma Bunyea, Emma Gagne, Gabbi Bolduc.
Promising newcomers: Juniors — Emma Martin (3B/1B), Nicole Rioux (OF/C); Sophomore — Kayleigh Hood (OF); Freshman — Faith Bustamante (UTL).
Season outlook: The Knights are looking to build off last season. They lost some key players to graduation, but return just as may key players, if not more, and coach Kat Meader (formerly Seeley) said other players are working to fill big holes in the field and the lineup. Poland also has several players who can play many positions. “The players are versatile, which is a key piece to this program’s success,” Meader said.

SPRUCE MOUNTAIN PHOENIX
Coach: Lisa Dube (fourth year)
Class: C South; Conference: MVC
Last year’s results: 5-12, lost in first round.
Returning athletes: Senior — Emma Towers (C); Juniors — Leah Burgess (SS), Makinlee Holt (1B), Jaydn Pingree (P/CF), Jazmine Pingree (3B); Sophomores — Mallary Clark (P/1B), Samantha Martin (2B), Tyoaka Hodgkin (OF).
Key loss: Summer Chretien (OF/2B).
Promising newcomers: Freshmen — Rylee Turner (P/UTL), Santika Hodgkin (P/C), DevinMarie Bryant (IF/UTL).
Season outlook: “I feel the pieces are starting to fit together,” Dube said. “We have a solid number of returning players who will help with the development of the newcomers in the program.” She added that the key to success for the Phoenix will be confidence in themselves offensively and defensively. They will be looking to improve their offense, in particular. They also need to replace the leadership of last year’s lone senior, Summer Chretien.

ST. DOMINIC SAINTS
Coach: Scott Berube (second year)
Class: D South; Conference: WMC
Last year’s results: 15-2, conference champions, reached regional final.
Returning athletes: Seniors — Ava Apodaca, Natalie Reed; Sophomores — Emily Andrews, Kassidy Cote; Freshman — Sophia Francoise.
Key losses: Kathleen Dean, Bella Perryman, Sydney Dick, Bendedicte Yombe, Kyla Wallace, Izzy McMillen, Isabella Webster, Pilar Hewey.
Promising newcomers: Ellia Dick, Maddie Andrews, Aiva Dorman, Aubrey Fortin
Season outlook: A large Class of 2022 has left the Saints’ numbers low for this season. Berube said the players have been working hard on the field and in the classroom, and that after a “great” preseason, they are looking forward to their first game. Berube said that St. Dom’s has “a great group of talented young athletes that will lean on the returning players for guidance and leadership.”

TELSTAR REBELS
Coach: Scott White (third year)
Class: C South; Conference: MVC
Last year’s results: 6-11, lost in first round.
Returning athletes: Seniors — Payton Berry (1B/SS/OF), Olivia Seames (INF/OF); Juniors — Sarah Chase (3B/OF), Morgan Zetts (1B/3B/OF), Karen Marshall (IF/OF), Makenzie Eliot (C/P/SS), Sophomores — Maylyn Hastings (P/2B), Hayley Smith.
Key losses: Macie Hallett, Natasha Mason, Maggie Black, Katie Evans, Leah Kimball.
Promising newcomers: Junior — Bella Bennett; Freshmen — Cadence Campbell, Taejyah Lego, Vivenne Charett.
Season outlook: The Rebels are young but experienced and looking to improve their record after what White said was a “disappointing 2022 campaign.” He said that the already young squad will be bolstered by three promising incoming freshman who he anticipates will see action “from Day No. 1.”

WINTHROP RAMBLERS
Coach: Chuck Gurney (ninth year)
Class: C South; Conference: MVC
Last year’s results: 10-9, reached regional semifinals.
Returning athletes: Seniors — Lauryn Wood (P/1B), Bella Littler (SS/P), Julia Letourneau (OF/UTL); Junior — Haley Williams (2B/3B); Sophomores — Ella Rice (C/OF), Annabell Blais (1B/OF), Charlotte Tyler (OF/1B).
Key losses: Lydia Rice (C), Maddie Perkins (SS).
Promising newcomers: Freshmen — Camdyn Roy (3B/P), Cate Gustin (OF/UTL), Emily Kempton (OF/UTL), Nevaeh Waite (OF/UTL), Brynn Stubbert (OF/3B).
Season outlook: Wood is back for her fourth season as, Gurney said, the Ramblers’ “workhorse in the circle.” Ella Rice, an All-MVC outfielder last year, takes over the catching duties. Littler and Blais should provide power in the middle of the lineup. Defensively, Julia Letourneau will anchor the outfield and Williams, the second baseman, supplies a strong glove and good range in the middle infield. The returning upperclassmen are helping the five freshmen along so far. “Our goal as a team,” Gurney said, “is to continue to get better as the season progresses and see where we end up when the dust settles at the end of the season.”