Staff Writer
BREWER – Ashland softball’s golden season carried them all the way to the Class D Eastern Maine finals last Wednesday against Bangor Christian.
The Hornets planned to bring their undefeated record to 18-0, but Patriot pitcher Jillian French kept runners off the bases for the 17-0 title-winning victory.
Senior pitcher Whitney Flint kept pace with French through the first two innings until a right arm injury began to affect her pitching.
“If Whitney’s hand would’ve been 100 percent, we definitely could’ve played them,” said head coach Terry Hunter. “We matched them out for out through the first two innings.”
Unfortunately, Flint’s hand began to swell after the first inning, but she chose to stay in and finish out her high school pitching career on the field. Flint struck out seven Bangor Christian batters over the first three innings and part of the fourth.
“I was having a hard time pitching, and I’d look down and my whole hand would be fat from my wrist to my fingers,” said Flint describing the inflamed injury. “Coach knew I was having a hard time, but he let me be stubborn and stay in for a little while.”
Shortstop Andrea Mayo belted the Hornets’ sole hit in the top of the fourth. Mayo smacked a pop fly double.
Mayo never got a chance to round the bases, as French struck out the next three batters.
Despite the loss the Hornets were happy with the outcome of the season and athletic year.
“We couldn’t have asked for better,” said Flint. “To go to Eastern Maine finals three times was amazing.”
Ashland ended their season at 17-1, and took the 2008 Class D Eastern Maine runner-ups title.
Staff photo/Gloria Austin
2008 CLASS D SOFTBALL EASTERN MAINE RUNNER-UPS. The Ashland Hornets are, from the left in front: Andrea Mayo and Miranda Donovan; in the middle, Taylor Baker, Makayla Ronco, Mariah Cook, Whitney Flint, Mindy Chasse, Kelsie Belanger, Crystal Cook, Suzie Poulin, Macie Pelkey, Whitney Donovan and Rylee Graham; and, in back, head coach Terry Hunter and assistant coach Beth Hunter.
Staff photo/Gloria Austin
CONCENTRATING on the wind up, Whitney Flint pitches during the Eastern Maine final last Wednesday before an injury took her out of the game.
'
Staff photo/Gloria Austin
SHE’S OUT. Hornet Andrea Mayo tags out a Bangor Christian runner during the Class D Eastern Maine final. Mayo nailed the only hit for Ashland in the game.
