Shiretowners hoping to build on last season’s strong finish

    HOULTON, Maine — Looking to build upon the late-season success of a year ago, third-year Houlton varsity softball coach Mark Faulkingham hopes his team is ready to rise to the next level.
    The Shires finished 7-9 last year, but that record is misleading as the team won seven of its final eight games after starting the year 0-8.
“I hope we continue to show improvement through the year, getting better with each practice.” Faulkingham said.
The Shire roster features seniors Megan Hannigan (catcher), Ashley Drew (first base/pitcher), Makala Folsom (second base) and Jackie Hodgkins (outfield/third base); juniors Marina Cameron (pitcher/shortstop), Mallory Clayton (outfield), Lainey Jameson (outfield), Mikaela Tuttle (third base), Alaina Stewart (outfield/first base), Marissa Drake (first base) and Autumn Fox (shortstop); sophomore Tanika Toby (outfield); and freshman Emma Gallop (pitcher/outfield).
“We have six girls learning new positions and I am liking what I am seeing so far,” Faulkingham said. “I am cautiously optimistic.”
The team’s strength will be its camaraderie, work ethic and positive attitude, according to the coach. Among the areas Faulkingham expects to work on as the season progresses are making routine plays; improving hitting; and developing more than one pitcher.
The Shires have a bundle of talented seniors and juniors returning, but the two underclassmen could also have a big impact this season.
Seniors Drew and Folsom are the two captains on the squad. Drew was primarily a first baseman last year, but will see some time inside the pitching circle. She is a solid hitter, capable of getting on hot streaks, the coach said. Folsom has one of the better gloves on the squad and will lead Houlton with her strong work ethic.
Hannigan, the team’s starting catcher, has a strong arm and is an excellent hitter, Faulkingham said. Hodgkins, though a senior, is new to the team, but could still make an impact.
When not pitching, Cameron will be found holding down shortstop. As tough as it is to lose her defensive skills at short, her pitching has improved dramatically since last year, the coach said. Fox, who is in her first year with the Shires, has one of the strongest arms on the team, the coach said. She will fill in at shortstop whenever Cameron is pitching. Factor in her desire to improve and the effort she puts forth and all the ingredients are in place for what could be a sensational season.
Clayton, Jameson, Tuttle and Stewart are returning players who will also be called upon to provide sparks in the lineup. Drake begins the year on the injured list as she recovers from a broken finger.
Youngsters Toby and Gallop could surprise many this year. “Tanika has been working hard to improve, is strong and I am looking for her to step up and help out this year,” the coach said. “Emma loves the game of softball and has been working hard to get better as a pitcher.  I see her as an asset to the team for years to come.”
Joining Faulkingham this year is Kristen Supa, as the assistant coach and junior varsity coach. Supa played for both Presque Isle High School and UMPI and should be an asset to the team this year. Additionally, Margaret Hill will once again coach the junior high softball team.
“She does a great job working with the kids and keeping them all busy and stressing the fundamentals,” Faulkingham said. “I would also like to thank Sue Miller who was my assistant the past two years. She will be missed. I am glad to see the Little League softball program in its second year as this will only help the softball program in the long run. I would also like to thank the coaches and the friends and family involved.”
Houlton opens its season Tuesday, April 24, at 4 p.m. on the road against Presque Isle.