Veteran Panthers could challenge
Sports Editor
MARS HILL — After an amazing basketball season, the Central Aroostook softball team is hoping that success carries over to the diamond this spring.
Fifth-year coach Rodney Codrey, who also guided the Panther girls basketball team to the Eastern Class B title game, has a number of familiar faces to work with on the softball field. Central Aroostook finished 6-10 a year ago and did not qualify for the playoffs, but with a bundle of returning players, the Panthers could be one of the bigger surprises on the field.
“I think the season is pretty promising if we can stay injury free,” coach Codrey said. “I do believe if we just play basic softball and cut down on our mental errors, which hurts us the most, I believe we will become successful.”
The 2010 Panther roster includes seniors Ashly Estabrook (catcher, infield), Britney Mosher (pitcher), Brianna Hartin (outfield) and Chelsea Hartin (infield); junior Kristen Long (outfield); sophomores Rachel Grew (third base, shortstop), Vicki McIntyre (infield, pitcher), Whitney Klein (outfield) and Shannon Todd (outfield, infield); and freshmen Paige Garrison (outfield), Page Fletcher (infield), Michaela King (infield) and Lexie Brewer (infield).
Every athlete, with the exception of Klein and the freshmen, are returning players for the Panthers.
“The players are real receptive and eager to learn,” Codrey said. “This is a real good bunch of kids. Last year we had many new players on this level of play and they did a great job. With a year behind them, I expect a little more from their defense and be a little wiser.”
The Hartin twins, Grew, McIntyre and Mosher will be the keys to success for the Panthers this year. Mosher starts the season as CA’s top pitcher, but will be spelled occasionally by McIntyre. Figuring out the rest of the pieces to his puzzle will be Codrey’s biggest challenge.
Codrey said he had not yet determined who would play where to start the season. Instead, he said there would be open competition for starting spots on the roster.
“I have a general ideal, however I do not want to commit to any yet,” he said. “Things can change quickly. I’m looking forward to this year.”
The unusually warm spring has provided the Panthers with more opportunities to be outside than previous years. By getting out on the field at such an early date, coach Codrey said his squad is further ahead than previous years.
“We have been on the field for about a week now and I think this helps in terms of trying to come up with the best lineup,” he said. “It also helps the kids to become familiar with the position they want to play and lets them get used to the ever-changing weather.”
Central Aroostook opens its season 4 p.m. Friday, April 16 hosting Hodgdon.
