Staff Writer
LIMESTONE — “Reloaded and ready to make another playoff run.” Those are the words of Limestone Community School/Maine School of Science and Mathematics softball coach Ryan O’Neal as the Eagles prepare for another season.
Nine players are back from last year’s no. 1 seeded team (14-4) in Eastern Maine Class D, which lost to Ashland in the semifinals.
Senior Amanda Allen is back to pitch for the Eagles. Coach O’Neal, now in his fourth season, said she is one of the better pitchers in The County.
“She’s stronger and more accurate this season,” he said. “She can carry the load.”
Besides Allen other starters may be: seniors Karen Page (second base), Stephanie Leighton (outfield) and Shannon Leighton; juniors Michaela Garrett (second base) and Daniele Pelkey; sophomores Kelsee Albert (catcher), Melissa Cantiafio (first base) and Jordyn Hopkins (outfield); and freshmen Ellyzabeth Bencivenga (third base) and Annie Sinclair (designated player).
Also on the roster is senior Mariah Morgan and freshmen Jaycee Bevins, Erin Brenamen and Brittany Clark.
O’Neal stresses defense with his players, but also recognized the need to score runs.
“We utilize speed whenever possible,” he said. “We are aggressive on the basepaths and are not afraid to use the short game to push a run across.”
Like other teams in the region Limestone had to scramble to find a few replacement games after Washburn and Van Buren didn’t field softball teams this spring.
“We have one of the most competitive schedules in Class D,” O’Neal said. “Even if we lose a few more this year, we will be battle tested come playoff time.”
Having a successful season can be summed up in two areas according to O’Neal.
“Catching the ball is always a key,” he said. “We pride ourselves on playing defense and this is the best defensive infield we have had in a few years.”
And on the offensive side, “being aggressive at bat,” he added. “We need to hit our pitches. We took too many strikes last season.”
