By Kevin Sjoberg
Sports Reporter
CARIBOU – Even though they fell just short of reaching the playoffs last year, the softball Vikings were a competitive bunch in 2009.
Staff photo/Kevin Sjoberg
Emily Staples, a sophomore for the Caribou Vikings’ softball team, warms up her pitching arm during a practice session Thursday.
In fact, seven of Caribou’s 11 losses were by two runs or less. With some key players having graduated, fifth-year coach Ryan Deprey isn’t sure what to expect from his squad this spring.
“We have some leadership returning, but that is mixed with plenty of youth and new players and some of the older players in new spots,” Deprey said. “I honestly don’t know how we are going to do this season.”
Gone are four-year starters Kristen Espling (the Penobscot Valley Conference and Eastern Maine Class B Player of the Year) and Serena Grier (a highly-regarded first baseman/designated hitter), along with the starting catcher for the last three years in Katie Ouellette. Ashley Ayotte, a starter the last two seasons, also did not return.
Staff photo/Kevin Sjoberg
Caribou coach Ryan Deprey speaks with the team’s outfielders during a workout at CHS Thursday. Deprey, the team’s fifth-year coach, is hoping for a solid season in 2010. The Vikings open with a doubleheader at Mattanawcook Academy in Lincoln April 24.
The seniors in the starting lineup will be third baseman Ashley Doucette, a second team all-Penobscot Valley Conference choice a year ago who batted .472 and scored 23 runs; right fielder Brittany Doak, another PVC second teamer who batted .429; and left fielder Danielle Soucy.
Also back is sophomore Jamie Martin, who will bat leadoff and will start in center field. After a slow start, Martin progressed throughout the year and finished with a .407 on-base percentage and scored 18 runs. She gives the team plenty of speed at the top of the lineup.
Emily Staples, another sophomore, was the ace pitcher a season ago and should fill that role again in 2010. She earned four of the team’s five victories on the mound and tossed a pair of no-hitters.
“She has good control and throws hard enough to get a few strikeouts, which is a huge plus for us,” Deprey said.
Juniors Danielle Violette, Madison Outing and Annalies Walker will compete for the designated hitter job. Walker will also back up Staples on the mound. Junior Sare Damboise is the frontrunner to start at second base.
Three freshmen will crack the starting lineup, with Kristin Plante starting at catcher, Jordyn Doucette at shortstop and Rebecca McDougal at first base. Plante and Doucette are targeted as the team’s No. 2 and No. 3 hitters in the lineup.
“The key for us is relying on our new players to play like veterans,” Deprey said. “I have the utmost confidence in our freshmen, or else they wouldn’t be starting, but it is still going to be a learning experience for them every time we take the field.”
Riley Parady and Shelby Damboise round out Caribou’s roster. Mallorie Cyr, Chelsea Martin and Tia McHatten are the managers. Ouellette is Deprey’s assistant coach.
