7 starters back for FF girls
By Kevin Sjoberg
Sports Reporter
Preview
FORT FAIRFIELD — As a youthful team in 2012, the Tiger softball team struggled to maintain consistent play.
Contributed photo/jMavor Photography
SAFE AT THIRD — Fort Fairfield’s Kayla Giberson receives a throw at third base, while Carmen Bragg slides in safely during last Tuesday’s game in Washburn. The Beavers won the game, 5-3.
The good news was that even though the team won just four regular season games, a post-season berth was earned and the team managed to defeat Ashland in the prelim round before being beaten by Limestone-MSSM in the quarterfinals.
Coach Jamie Selfridge brings back seven starters who she hopes can help the team win more regular season contests and earn a higher seed for the playoffs.
Junior Jordann Coiley returns for her third season as the starting pitcher.
“She is continuing to get stronger and work on her speed to help us out this year,” Selfridge said.
Four other upperclassmen will fill key roles. Senior Sydney Churchill will see action at either second base or in right field, which are the two holes left from last year’s squad. Senior Emily Blaisdell is the starting catcher, junior Abbey Player plays first base and senior Rebekah Pelkey gets the nod at third base.
“They will be strong role models for the incoming freshmen and provide leadership in the infield,” Selfridge said.
Kelsey Turner, the other senior on the roster, is returning from a knee injury and should contribute.
Alyssa Dougherty, a junior, will start in center field and owns great speed and a solid glove.
The five freshmen are “athletic and excited to learn the game,” said the coach.
Kayla Giberson began the season as the starting third baseman, while Alexis Coiley and Sarah Watt were in a battle for time either at second or right field along with Churchill and junior Lindsay Blaisdell, who returns after having not played in 2012. Ninth-graders Autumn Parady and Taylor Churchill are the others making the adjustment from middle level softball and look to contribute either on the infield or in the outfield.
Juniors Shyanna Smith and Sydney McEwen are outfield prospects who round out the Tiger roster.
“We have been strong defensively and will continue to work on our offensive game,” Selfridge said. “We have improved a lot over the past couple of seasons and the incoming freshmen have strong swings to work with.
“Smart baserunning and knowing the game will help improve our overall play,” she added.
