Lady Panthers hope to build on past success
By Jon Gulliver
Staff Writer
MARS HILL — The Central Aroostook Panthers softball team will once again be looking to compete at a high level in Eastern Maine Class D this spring. Last year the team went 14-2 on the regular season and dropped a semifinal playoff game to eventual state champion Deer Isle-Stonington, 6-0.
RACHEL GREW of Central Aroostook gets a lead off of second base during a game last season. Grew is back for her senior season of softball this spring. 
“That game has given the kids a lot of confidence going into this season,” said second year coach Ryan Guerrette. “They now know they can compete on a high level.”
Guerrette will need to find pitching for this team to duplicate the success of last season. Kristen Long, who was on the mound for all 15 wins last year, has graduated. Guerrette said three players are competing to be the number one pitcher on the squad, senior Vicki McIntyre, junior Paige Garrison and freshman Carly Grass.
The offense isn’t as much of a question mark.
“We averaged 18 runs a game last year,” the coach said. “And we have nine players returning, including eight starters.”
The top of the Panthers’ lineup will include senior centerfielder Whitney Klein. She hit .561 last season and had 29 stolen bases. Batting second will be senior shortstop Rachael Grew, who batted .438 a year ago. Hitting third will be McIntyre, who plays first base along with pitcher. She hit a robust .612 last spring. Junior catcher Michaela King, who drove in 36 runs in 2011, hits in the clean-up spot. Garrison, a leftfielder/pitcher, is slotted to hit fifth and junior Page Fletcher is in the sixth spot. Senior second baseman Shannon Todd will also be in the starting lineup.
Guerrette said the competition for the final two spots comes down to senior first baseman/outfielder Tanika Klinger and senior outfielder Reba Otis; junior outfielders Kayla Cushman, Megan King and Sarah Grass; sophomore outfielder Stephanie Dame; and freshmen outfielders Whitnie Bradbury and Jordan Canney.
Spring training has again focused on fundamentals. Guerrette said he wants the girls to try to limit mental mistakes. He also preaches an aggressive offensive approach.
“We try to put as much pressure on the other team,” he said. “We like to hit and run, bunt and run, basically anything we can do to get the kids moving around the bases.”
Guerrette added the team has a strong schedule this year, but he is expecting continued success.
“Twelve of our 16 games are against teams that made the playoffs last season,” said Guerrette. “ If we continue to play good defense and our pitchers throw strikes we will be in every game. The biggest key for any team in softball is throwing strikes and limiting the mental errors on defense. You can’t give teams extra outs.”
The Panthers season begins on Friday, April 20 at 4 p.m. at home against Ashland.
