AUGUSTA — Hannah Hill has already had a sensational high school softball career, but the Fryeburg Academy senior capped it off with a fitting title Thursday.

The senior pitcher was named Miss Maine Softball at Cony Field at the Maine Senior All-Star games.

“I’ve been given many awards in my career, and I just feel very blessed to receive them,” said a gracious Hill prior to the A/B game Thursday night. “It’s such a huge honor, especially with all these seniors from the entire state of Maine that do such a phenomenal job. If they’re all playing in this game, you know they’re great softball players. So, it’s really a blessing and it’s really an honor.” Hill has been one of the state’s most dominant pitchers the last two seasons — earning the honor of Maine’s Gatorade Player of the Year in back-to-back years. She started playing softball 10 years ago and has played for the sheer love of the game. The awards that have come with her success have been icing on the cake for her.

“I dreamed about winning a state championship with my team, which we got to accomplish,” said Hill. “This is a huge honor. I didn’t make it a high priority on my list. I knew about the award, but I didn’t really think much about it, but now that I have it, I’m truly honored. It means a lot to me.” Last year, Hill went 19-1 to lead her Raiders to the team’s first Class B state softball title. She had an earned run average of 0.26 and allowed just five earned runs. She struck out 276 batters and hurled four no-hitters and 13 shutouts.

This year, Fryeburg won its second straight state title as Hill went 19-1 again. She had a 0.46 ERA and allowed nine earned runs. She struck out 231 batters and finished with three no-hitters and 12 shutouts.

Hill was also presented with the award for the top player in Western B.

“I feel so privileged to receive them,” said Hill. “To be able to win an award with this kind of competition, it really means a lot.”

Hill acknowledged that she had barely thought about the Miss Maine Softball award prior to Thursday’s games. She was fully aware of it but was more excited about playing the game with an all-star cast.

“Someone had mentioned it to me before, but I never really like to think too much about awards,” said a humble Hill “I was just looking forward to playing tonight and with these girls. You look at the teams, it’s going to be so much fun. I’m excited.” Hill has a full scholarship to attend Seton Hall University in fall. She’s excited about that challenge now that her high school career is complete.

“I’m taking it one step at a time,” she said. “The next step is summer ball and then school in the fall. It’s exciting.” Other players recognized Thursday were Cony’s Chelsea Soule and Scarborough’s Catie Funk. They were the top players in Eastern and Western A, respectively. Caribou’s Kristen Espling was the top player in Eastern B. In Class C, Sacopee Valley’s Aleece Daleo won the Western C award while Houlton’s Erika Lackey won in Eastern C. Forest Hills Crystal Allen was the Western D Player of the Year while Ashland’s Suzanne Poulin was recognized in Eastern D.

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