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1. Oxford Hills

The Vikings were ousted early in the Class A North tournament as the No. 2 seed last year, but seven returning upperclassmen are looking to get back to the top of the region in 2026. With reigning Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference player of the year Kyeria Morse (.469 batting average, 138 Ks) back in the pitching circle and Payton Cleveland coming on in relief, Oxford Hills has no shortage of strong arms. Senior infielder Attie Campbell (.479) will challenge opposing pitchers after an all-KVAC season. Sam McPhail, another power hitter, and Natasha Child are both defensive assets in the outfield. If the younger players can adjust to varsity play quickly, longtime coach Cindy Goddard will have another contender on her hands.  

2. Edward Little

After winning the program’s first regional crown since 1997, the Red Eddies look to contend again in Class A North. Coach Elaine Derosby is looking to put the right puzzle pieces together so that the team can play its best softball in June, similar to last year’s state championship game appearance after winning the region as the seventh seed. Some key pieces already in place include returning sophomores Elizabeth Galway and Emily Poulin, juniors Lauren Bolduc, Chloe LeBlanc and Allie Michaud, and seniors Nellie Fenney and Mia Lang.

3. Leavitt

Last year, the Hornets earned the No. 2 seed in B South and reached the regional semifinals, and a majority of the roster returns, including six seniors. Second-year coach Laura Reny says speed and consistency at the plate will be a strength. The coaching staff believes Hailey Cyr (77 Ks) will impact the season from the plate and the pitching circle, and catcher Elizabeth Kowalski completes the trusted battery. Gabby Smith returns to control center field, while Reese Bilodeau and Brooke Boutaugh can contribute timely outs in the outfield or at shortstop. 

4. Monmouth Academy

Coach Dave Kaplan knows his team lost some quality players to graduation (including MVC player of the year Shannah Parsons), and he will have to rely on younger talent (13 of the 18 players are underclassmen), but the Mustangs are still expected to challenge for a high seed in Class C South with their consistent bats and speed. Senior center fielder Riley Smith will patrol the outfield, while second baseman Kaitlyn Frost will bring senior leadership to the infield. Evelyn Pettengill takes over the primary pitching duties after tossing 13 innings and hitting .488 as a freshman. Lila Poussard, another sophomore, is the catcher. 

5. Buckfield

Although graduation and injury have taken their toll on the defending Class D state champion, coach Shawn Prokey still has a positive outlook. Senior shortstop Chloee Bennett, the Bucks’ lone returning infielder, can hit for power (.453, 31 RBI) and is on the basepaths (26 runs, 13 stolen bases). Sophie St. Pierre, a junior, is good in the outfield and strong at the plate. Emma Hooper, another senior, takes over at first base. Freshmen Daisy Vining (pitcher) and Brooklyn Richardson (catcher) have been solid offensive contributors during the preseason. 

Keep an eye on: Lewiston, Dirigo