TURNER — With each hit, Leavitt’s lead lessened and the Hornets’ frustration increased.

The Leavitt softball team was up 4-0 with just three outs to go last week in a game against Oak Hill. Then the Raiders produced hit after hit. Before the Hornets could regroup, their lead was gone. Leavitt gave up six runs in the top of the seventh.

A young and inexperienced team might have watched that game slip away, but the Hornets found a way to rally. In the bottom of the inning, Leavitt roared back with three runs of its own to secure the victory.

“It’s our positive attitude,” said senior pitcher Adrie Newton. “We always stay together as a team and cheer each other on. When one person does good, we all have positive attitudes. Everyone contributes.”

A year ago, the Hornets won just five games, but that win over the Raiders was Leavitt’s 10th of the season. The Hornets are now 11-4 and ranked third in a strong Western B field. Leavitt isn’t just eyeing a playoff berth but a possible home game in the tourney.

“That’s definitely exciting,” said senor shortstop Tori Zupancic. “It’s the first time for me, and that makes it exciting, especially as a senior.”

Leavitt last won state titles in 2002 and 2003. Since then, the Hornets haven’t had a season quite like this. Leavitt has been competitive but have been more inexperienced than contenders. This is giving these Hornets a whole new experience.

“Since I was a freshman, we haven’t had this great of a season,” said Newton. “Coming in, I thought we’d do pretty good. I thought next year would be good because there was a lot of young girls. So I wasn’t expecting to do this well. All the girls have done so well. I’m really proud of them.”

Coach Pete Higgins had just four starters returning. In addition to Newton and Zupancic, catcher Annie Castonguay and Shelby St. Pierre at first were back. There were players that had some experience returning but many were playing in larger roles, including new starters Melissa Richardson, Sara Pare, Michelle Morin. Caela Waite, Sierra Santomango, Emily Perkins and Sara Enos.

“We were kind of hoping to break even this year,” said Higgins. “We had some kids that were letter-winners that didn’t come out. We had some new kids out there, and it shows from time to time.”

The preseason played a significant role for Leavitt. With decent weather and solid schedule to prepare them for the season, the Hornets built from that. Leavitt started the year 8-1.

“We had five preseason games, which we don’t ordinarily have,” said Higgins. “That helped us out at the beginning while trying to find people for different positions. We didn’t have that last year.”

Leavitt had some growing pains early but still managed to win. Even the lone loss against Gardiner was a game they could have won. Though the Hornets had expectations for this season, they quickly saw something positive in the works.

“I was just expecting the best from all of us,” said Zupancic. “We’re all really good athletes, and we have a lot of potential. We just needed to put it out there.”

The Hornets have worked hard and learned. They’ve continued to grow and mature as the season has progressed. They’ve shown signs of a young team but have also proven they know how to win.

“They listen for the most part,” said Higgins. “They’re willing to take instruction and learn from their mistakes. That’s always a good thing.”

Leavitt had some setbacks with an 8-1 loss to Camden Hills and a 5-0 loss to Medomak Valley. The Hornets end the season at Oceanside. Much of that squad was part of a Georges Valley team that lost in the Western C final last spring.

It will be another chance for the Hornets to prove themselves against one of the favorites in Class B. That matchup follows Friday’s rematch with Gardiner, which Leavitt won 10-6 after a 2-1 loss earlier in the year.

“Our maturity level has really increased,” said Zupancic. “We’re playing well together as a team.”

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