Staff Writer
Even with 40 inches of snow (as of April 6) covering the Ashland softball field, the 2008 Hornets have worked the fundamentals indoors to get into softball shape in preparation for when the thaw finally clears the fields. A strong second half of the 2007 season has left returning players anxious to get back to the plate.
Staff photo/Meridith Paterson
THE 2008 ASHLAND VARSITY SOFTBALL TEAM – Hornets are, from the left in front, Rylee Graham, Miranda Donovan, Suzie Poulin, Macie Pelkey, Whitney Donovan and Makayla Ronco and, in back, head coach Terry Hunter, assistant coach Beth Hunter, Andrea Mayo, Crystal Cook, Mindy Chasse, Whitney Flint, Taylor Baker, Kelsie Belanger and manager Debi Beckler. Missing from the photo is Mariah Cook and Jade Tilley.
“We played very well the second half of the season,” said head coach Terry Hunter, “and had a very good preliminary against number-six Limestone, winning that game and losing to Greater Houlton in the quarterfinal.”
Despite losing Katie Clark, Autumn Cobb and Jessica Landry to graduation, 11-year coaching team Hunter and Beth Hunter, have prepared the team to take up their rolls. The leader of the 2008 Hornets is senior Whitney Flint who tied for the most home runs and lead in batting averages, hits, walks, runs and stolen bases. Flint will also start on the pitcher’s mound, averaging 120 strikeouts last season.
Junior Andrea Mayo will also start as shortstop, and tied Flint for homeruns. Senior co-captain Mindy Chasse is starting catcher, and led the team in RBIs last season. Junior Crystal Cook starts at centerfield and junior Suzie Poulin at second base. Sophomore Taylor Baker will be positioned at first base, and sophomore Macie Pelkey will also start for the Hornets.
Baker and freshman Whitney Donovan will also pitch for Ashland this season.
Also on the 2008 roster are junior Miranda Donovan (third base); sophomores Jade Tilley (catcher/outfielder) and Kelsie Belanger (outfielder); and freshmen Mariah Cook (infield/outfield), Makayla Ronco (infield/outfield) and Rylee Graham (outfield).
“Coming off great soccer and basketball seasons, we hope to continue a positive experience through this season,” commented Hunter. “By the second half of last season these young ladies had worked hard, and improved every game both defensively and offensively. They realize what they are capable of and, with more hard work, we can continue to get better and hopefully be in the thick of things in June.”
The Hornets look to Bangor Christian, Washburn and Southern Aroostook to prove the best competition due to their depth of experience.
The 2008 Ashland softball team is managed by Debi Beckler.
