Sports Editor
LIMESTONE — Could this be the year for the Limestone-MSSM softball team?
With a bundle of returning players, including seven starters from last year’s 14-5 squad that finished second in Eastern Class D and fell in the regional championship, the Eagles have to be considered one of the favorites again this spring. Limestone-MSSM came up just short in the regional championship a year ago, falling to Woodland 4-1. Second-year coach Ryan O’Neal feels he has the talent to go even farther this year.
“We have high hopes for this season,” he said. “Our goal is to go beyond what we did last year. Overall our defense is improved.”
Members of the Eagle softball squad include seniors Jasmine Cote (pitcher), Monique Lebel (outfield), Rylee Leighton (outfield) and Victoria St. Pierre (catcher); juniors Savanna Gray (first base/third base), Ashlynn Kelley (shortstop), Audra Kirk (outfield/third base) and Chelsea Leighton (infield, flex hitter); sophomores Amanda Allen (third base/pitcher), Shannon Leighton (infield), Stephanie Leighton (center field), Karen Page (infield), Hunter Smith (outfield) and Hattie Welsh (first base/third base); and freshmen Danielle Pelkey (second base/outfield) and Sabrina Logsdon (outfield).
The managers are Jasper Tamburello and Tammy Johndro.
The team returns its starting pitcher-catcher combination of Cote and Victoria St. Pierre for the third straight season.
“Jasmine is a solid pitcher with excellent control as well as a good hitter,” the coach said. “Our team captain Victoria St. Pierre is a rock behind the plate and has a big bat. She returns after a junior campaign where she led the team in most offensive categories.”
Other returning starters looking to make strong contributions on the team are Kelly, Chelsea Leighton, Kirk, Allen and Stephanie Leighton — all returning starters who should be key contributors.
Kelly and Kirk are stabilizing defensive presences on the field, according to coach O’Neal and will also look to be stronger contributors at the plate this season. Chelsea Leighton is one of team’s most solid hitters and may get more time in the field this spring. Allen is an impact third baseman and will see some time pitching, while Stephanie Leighton will use her blazing speed in centerfield to track down many fly balls.
Grey is making a run at breaking into the infield at first base. Rylee Leighton, a returning senior, has shown up this spring with an improved bat and glove, the coach said. She may earn a starting spot in the outfield. Her sister, Shannon Leighton, is learning a new position (second base).
Other returning players are Lebel, a back-up outfielder, and Smith a reserve infielder.
New players to the team are Page (a middle infielder), Welsh (a corner infielder), Pelkey (a solid hitter) and Logsdon (a strong defender).
“One major difference for this season has been our emphasis on pitching,” O’Neal said. “Our pitchers were on an off-season pitching routine to try and adjust to the new longer pitching difference. Our fielding is certainly ahead of schedule. It makes a huge difference seeing ground balls outside where you get a true hop as opposed to on the gym floor. We are still heading downstate for our spring trip the first two days of April break though.”
Limestone-MSSM opens its season Monday, April 26 hosting Southern Aroostook at 3:30 p.m.
