Lady Shires working to improve during season

By Gloria Austin
Staff Writer
    Houlton softball coach Mark Faulkingham was cautiously optimistic about this year’s season. As of the latest Heal Point standings, the Lady Shires are winless.    “As long as the girls continue to work hard, we will improve,” Faulkingham said.
    Taylor Bailey and Chelsi Murray are two returning seniors and four-year starters, who will help lead the team. Bailey will pitch and play outfield, while Murray will anchor third base.
    “Taylor is always willing to do what is best for the team,” said Faulkingham. “She is a leader on and off the field, and well respected by her teammates.
Chelsi Murray
    “Chelsi has one of the strongest arms on the team and is fine hitter,” added Faulkingham. “I have enjoyed getting to know her.”
    The Lady Shires field five juniors, Ashley Drew, first base; Megan Hannigan, catcher; Makala Folsom, second base; Morgan Kibler and Abby Kinens, both in the outfield.
    Last year, Drew moved to first base and as the season went on, according to Faulkingham, she became more comfortable with the position.
    “She looked like an old pro at first in the preseason,” Faulkingham said. “Ashley is always smiling and enjoys the game. Megan, more than anyone on the team, loves the game of softball. She has a strong arm, strong work ethic and a great attitude. Makala has quickly caught on to the nuances of second and I expect good things from her, while Morgan loves the game of softball, works hard and aims to please and Abby returns after a year [layoff] due to an injury. She is super fast and her attitude and work ethic has definitely been a good influence on the team.”
    Sophomores playing for the team are Tori Hanson, Marina Cameron, Lainey Jameson, Alaina Stewart, Mallory Clayton, Marissa Drake and Mikaela Tuttle.
    Hanson will play centerfield or shortstop, while Cameron will fill in pitching and at shortstop and Stewart will be in the outfield or at first base.
    “Tori is probably one of our best fielders,” said Faulkingham. “She is very diverse and wherever I have asked her to play, she does willingly and does it well. She is always encouraging her teammates. Marina worked hard in the preseason and is throwing the ball well of the mound and looking solid in the field. Alaina is another girl who absolutely loves the game. I expect her to make strong contributions this season.”
    Jameson can play outfield or infield, while Clayton, Drake and Tuttle are newcomers.
    “Lainey is a coach’s dream,” Faulkingham said. “She always hustles, works her hardest  and is always trying to improve. Mallory has improved a lot since last year and works hard to improve with each practice, while Drake has impressed me by implementing suggestions or instructions I give her and she works to become a better player. Mikeala has worked extremely hard, has a strong arm and can be an asset to the team.”
    The lone freshman on the squad is Tanika Toby.
    “Tanika aims to please, is eager to learn and is a player I am looking to watch improve over the next four seasons,” Faulkingham said.
    Though not off to one of their best starts, the Lady Shires are seemingly a cohesive group.
    “I have been impressed with the spirited, energetic and enthusiastic practices this year,” Faulkingham said. “There seems to be an atmosphere of camaraderie and respect for each other. They always seem to have each other’s backs. As a coach, I am pleased with their work ethic.”