AUBURN -You couldn’t blame Amanda Collette for having high expectations last year.

After a standout sophomore year in which she helped Lewiston reach the Western A final, the pitcher joined the defending Class C state champions at St. Dom’s. The potential was there for a great season for both Collette and the Saints.

The season was not what it was chalked up to be though. The Saints ended up constantly juggling their lineup because of injuries, and Collette was one of those forced to sit. A hamstring injury had her out for the final month, including the tournament. All she could do was watch as the Saints battled through the playoffs only to lose to Sacopee Valley in the regional championship.

“It was kind of depressing,” said Collette. “They did really good to get as far as they did. I just felt I could have contributed.”

This year, Collette is intent on doing her part and making up for lost time.

“I think we have the team this year to go all the way,” said Collette. “I just hope we don’t get too overconfident. If we do our best and work as hard as we can, I think we can do it.”

Collette was going to split time with Audrey Pleau and Emily Goss last year. She also played in the infield when she wasn’t pitching. Then came a rainy day and muddy conditions in a game with Richmond in early May. Collette was playing first and tore her hamstring muscle.

“It was raining out and I went into a stretch,” said Collette. “It was all muddy.”

She not only missed the rest of the season but also couldn’t play softball during the summer. She worked out as best she could, and then tried to get her game back through the fall and winter.

“I couldn’t play summer ball because I couldn’t run,” she said. “I worked all summer trying to get my leg back to normal, and I worked really hard pitching this winter.”

She feels that work is paying off and has put her in a determined mindset to start the season.

“I think I worked hard just to get back,” said Collette. “I actually was pushing myself more because I was hurt, and I’m just trying to prove myself now.”

Her situation mirrors that of the team to some extent. The Saints were constantly shuffling the lineup and trying to maintain some consistency. Down the stretch, the Saints managed to pull it together only to lose a close one to their rivals from Sacopee. The Saints still went 12-4 overall, but the Saints would like a little more success and a little less adversity.

“It was kind of depressing to see us lose it last year,” said Collette. “If we really put our heads into it this year, we can go back to the same spot we were.”

Collette’s high hopes aren’t limited to this spring either. An outstanding year could be a stepping stone for a college career. She’s hoping to play her way onto the UMaine squad next year in Orono. She hopes she could impress as a walk on and earn a spot on the team.

“I’m going to try out,” she said. “I’d love to pitch. That’s my favorite. I love pitching, but I wouldn’t mind playing anywhere else either. I just love the game of softball and anywhere I can play is fine.”