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| Staff photo/Kevin Sjoberg Melissa Cantafio of Limestone-MSSM crosses the plate just ahead of the throw to Fort Fairfield catcher Emily Blaisdell during Thursday’s game. Cantafio’s run was one of 12 scored by the Eagles in the fourth inning of the 15-11 victory. |
By Kevin Sjoberg
Sports Reporter
The Limestone-MSSM softball team continues to rule the Eastern Maine Class D softball scene.
The Eagles stood at 13-0 heading into Tuesday’s game at home against Madawaska. The team closes out the campaign Thursday when its hosts Hodgdon.
Limestone-MSSM is fighting with Penobscot Valley High School of Howland for the No. 1 seed in the playoffs, which begin next week.
PVHS holds a 14-0 mark, but is 12 tournament index points behind the Eagles in the Heal Point rankings with also two games remaining.
The two teams met in last year’s semifinal round, with the Howlers coming out on top in the game played at Limestone. They went on to win the state championship.
Eagle coach Ryan O’Neal is hoping his team can make that type of run.
“If we are able to stay No. 1 and guarantee a home field advantage throughout the playoffs, I like our chances,” he said. “We play so much better at home. We are able to be in a routine, we know how to play defensively and we know what we can get away with as far as baserunning goes.
“Plus, having last ups means there’s always a chance, even if the situation is grim.”
The Eagles had to make a late comeback last Wednesday to win at Washburn. Melissa Cantafio hit a pair of homers as the Eagles needed to rally to force extra innings before scoring eight times in the top of the eighth in a 15-7 triumph.
The team also bested Fort Fairfield Thursday, 15-11. A 12-run rally in the fourth inning was the difference.
The Caribou Vikings appear to be a longshot for a playoff berth in EM Class B. Caribou split with Ellsworth Monday and holds a 9-6 record. However, the team is ranked 16th out of 19 teams and need to crack the top 13 to get in. The team’s final game is tonight at Presque Isle.
In baseball, both the Eagles and Vikings are virtually assured post-season appearances. Limestone-MSSM, following Thursday’s 17-13 comeback win over Fort Fairfield, is in fifth place with a 10-3 record. If the team wins out, it could move into the top four.
The Caribou Vikings swept Ellsworth Monday and take a 10-5 record into tonight’s game at Presque Isle. Caribou is currently in ninth place in the EM ‘B’ rankings.
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| Staff photo/Kevin Sjoberg Bret Butler of the Eagles reacts after hitting a double in the sixth inning of Thursday’s game at Fort Fairfield. Limestone-MSSM came back from nine runs down to win the game, 18-14. |
