By Gloria Austin
Staff Writer
HODGDON — The Hodgdon girls softball team did not make a postseason appearance last year, as they sat just outside of the cutoff number of teams. This season, third-year coach Mike Varney and assistant Darlene Theriault are hoping to land that playoff game.
A year ago, the Lady Hawks were 2-12, but their record was a bit deceiving, as in four of those games, the Hodgdon girls lost by a run and in two games they went into extra innings.
The Lady Hawks graduated three key players from last year’s squad in Kim Levesque, Sarah Fitzpatrick and Mia Gardner. But, the upswing is they return a host of veteran players with a mix of newcomers.
“We are a very deep team this year with 18 players on the roster, any of whom could start in different games in the outfield,” said Varney. “Overall, we are returning 12 players from last year’s roster.”
Called on to take their place on the mound this season are returning players Jamiee Theriault (sophomore) and Samantha Palmer (junior). Their battery partners are Jessie Tracy (sophomore) and Danica Welton (senior).
Holding first base is senior McKenzie York, who is playing her third season in that position; second is two-year starter Rachel Harmon (sophomore) and anchoring third is freshman Tianna McEwen, who played on the junior high boys baseball team. Playing up the middle at shortstop is senior Alicia Rockwell, who is in her second year and was named an All-Aroostook all-star last year.
As of presstime, Varney had not determined who would be starting in the outfield for the squad.
Varney’s team is playing a tough schedule of opponents including 2012 semifinalist East Grand; Shead, who reached the quarterfinals; Katahdin and Southern Aroostook, along with Central Aroostook, Fort Fairfield, Class C Houlton and one game with Limestone/MSSM,
For a chance to make a playoff bid, Varney noted the Hodgdon girls needed to “beat all” of their opponents.
Varney hopes his squad will make a competitive run, as their starting pitcher is healthy, they have strong arms in the infield and they have potent hitting.
“Our starting pitcher suffered an elbow injury after the third game last year,” said Varney. “She is now better and much stronger this season. She has made great improvements in her consistency, as well.”
Varney is confident in his infield since five of the six girls return to their starting positions from a year ago and as far as hitting, “We averaged nine runs per game last season,” he said.
As with all coaches, Varney wants to “cut down on errors” and not give opponents more than three outs an inning, which can haunt a team.
Hodgdon opens its season at Shead of Eastport on Wednesday, April 17 at noon. The first home game is scheduled for 4 p.m. Friday, also against Shead.
