Staff Writer
The 2008 Ashland softball team had a memorable season, seeded first with a 17-1 record, but losing in the Eastern Maine Championship game to Bangor Christian. With veteran coach Terry Hunter returning for his 13th year in the dugout, the Ashland girls will look to continue the Hornets’ great softball tradition. But this year, they’ll have to do it without the help of Whitney Flint and Mindy Chasse.
Flint was last year’s star pitcher, setting the school’s single-season record with 182 strikeouts in 2008 alone. She was Eastern Maine’s Class D state player of the year and an All-Aroostook and state senior all-star. Chasse led from behind the plate as Ashland’s senior catcher, maintaining a .536 batting average and also receiving nominations as an All-Aroostook and state senior all-star. With two pivotal positions now vacant, Hunter is looking for this year’s senior class to step up.
“We still have a lot of returning experience and we will still be a very strong hitting team. We’ll need to find that pitcher/catcher combination and I have no doubt these girls will step up to the challenge,” said Hunter, who expects sophomore Whitney Donovan to start on the mound.
As a reserve right-handed pitcher from last season, Donovan brings a significant amount of experience to the team despite her year. Senior Suzanne Poulin also pitches right-handed and is attempting the position this year despite sustaining an injury during her sophomore season. Hunter is also looking for experience from junior Taylor Baker, who maintained good control as a reserve pitcher in 2008. Finally, freshman Anna Paradis shows much potential as an alternate reserve pitcher.
The rest of Hunter’s starting lineup shows significant depth with seniors Crystal Cook, Andrea Mayo and Miranda Donovan. Cook will start in centerfield, bringing speed to her fielding abilities, while Mayo’s history at bat will provide Ashland with some runs. Miranda Donovan will start at third and has an “excellent glove”.
Sophomores Rylee Graham and Mariah Cook will see time in the outfield. Last season, Graham had 16 stolen bases and Cook will most likely be Ashland’s DH. When absent from the mound, Whitney Donovan will play shortstop, though her diversity makes her beneficial at any position.
Makayla Ronco was a substitute last season and will also play in the outfield. Junior Jessica Jimmo has joined the team for her first year and will also relieve starters as needed.
This year’s freshmen are Brooke Labelle, Chelsea Hammond and Stephanie Goulet. Labelle’s strong arm makes her a likely candidate for catcher or infield, and Hammond and Goulet will play in the outfield. Stephen Philbrook is the manager and Beth Hunter will assist.
Though their first game was April 24, the Lady Hornets spent time downstate earlier this month, scrimmaging and spending time rotating positions. Hunter’s number-one goal is to find that pitcher/catcher combination that led the team last year. Additionally, the team will spend time working on hitting and fielding fundamentals. But the team is still looking for a field of their own.
“We are still not exactly sure where we will be playing our games as the baseball and softball fields are no longer available. We hope to play on our middle school field but it depends on if they can get a playable baseball field. This could pose a challenge,” commented Hunter earlier this month.
If and when they find a place to play, the Lady Hornets will start honing in on their opponents. “I see Woodland as the team to beat [this year],” Hunter said. “We beat them 1-0 in playoffs last season and their pitcher threw a no hitter. She will be a senior this year so I expect them to be the team to look for. Bangor Christian and Southern Aroostook should be strong again as well.”
Despite numerable challenges, Hunter’s expectations for this season remain simple. “We will work as hard as we can to get in the playoffs and then anything can happen.”
Staff photo/Abigail Hunt
TAKING THE FIELD for the Lady Hornets are, from left, in front: Stephanie Goulet, Makayla Ronco, Chelsea Hammond, Anna Paradis, Brooke Labelle, Jessica Jimmo and Whitney Donovan. Back row: coach Terry Hunter, Andrea Mayo, Rylee Graham, Taylor Baker, Mariah Cook, Crystal Cook, Miranda Donovan, Suzie Poulin, manager Stephen Philbrook and assistant coach Beth Hunter.
