Staff Writer
The 2008 Presque Isle High School varsity softball team has a large gap to fill left by the departure of five starters who led the 2007 squad. However, coaching staff have confidence in the returning players and some new faces to keep the Wildcat tradition of success going.
Angela Norsworthy, Chelsea Glovins, Jana Clukey, Molly Hamel and Heather Fowler helped lead the ’07 Wildcats to a fourth-place ranking and a 14-3 record.
“Last year was one of those years that most of the close games went our way,” said head coach Alan Curtis. “With so many new starters, the decision making will probably not be as strong in the beginning of the season but, with each game, the experience factor is getting greater.”
The 2008 Wildcat starting lineup begins with sophomore Krista Coffin, strong right-handed pitcher. Starting behind the plate in the catcher’s place is junior Allison Young who boasts a .350 batting average. Senior Caroline Freeman will start on first base having had some experience first on the field in the past.
Freshman Alecia Palmer may start on second base or pitch for the Wildcats. “Palmer is primarily a pitcher, but is a good all-around athlete and will fill in where needed,” commented Curtis.
Senior Allisen Donovan plays on third base and has the team’s highest batting average of .385. At shortstop is sophomore Jodie Buckley, making the move from second base. Junior Kayla Legassie will play in leftfield with junior Emilee Currie in centerfield and senior Tiffany Martin in rightfield.
Other pitchers for the Wildcats include freshman Abby LaPointe and sophomore Naiomi Donovan.
Also playing for PIHS softball is freshman Rilee Currie (centerfield) and sophomores Kelsey Park (first base), Alicia Kierstead (second/third base), Amy Grivois (catcher/first/second), Haley Johnston (catcher/first/second) and Jenna Stephenson (second base).
The team will have a chance to get some real game practice in preparation for their competitive schedule in Florida during April vacation.
The Wildcats will have eight games to gain confidence in their starting positions before returning for their season-opener at Dover-Foxcroft.
According to Curtis, Winslow and Waterville will pay the toughest games in Class B.
Curtis is assisted in coaching by Mark White.
Staff photo/Meridith Paterson
PRESQUE ISLE SOFTBALL – The 2008 Wildcats are, from the left in back, Kelsey Park, Kayla Legassie, Krista Coffin, Tiffany Martin, Haley Johnston, Rilee Currie and Abbie LaPointe; in front, assistant coach Mark White, Jenna Stephenson, Alicia Kierstead, Allison Young, Emilee Currie, Amy Grivois, Alecia Palmer and head coach Alan Curtis; and, missing, Caroline Freeman, Allisen Donovan, Naimoi Donovan and Jodie Buckley.
