Washburn aided by newcomers
Sports Reporter
WASHBURN — The Beavers brought back plenty of talent from last year’s team that finished third and advanced to the semifinals in Eastern Maine Class D.
But in addition to the returnees, three of the top athletes at the school decided to come out for the team for the first time.
The result has been eight victories in the first nine games and the No. 1 ranking in the division.
“The new players have been a tremendous boost for us offensively,” said 10th-year head coach Tammy Tatlock. “We are a very well-rounded team this year.”
The Beavers welcomed seniors Joan Overman and Mackenzie Worcester and junior Emilia Churchill to the starting lineup. Overman plays third, Worcester shortstop and Churchill center field. All three bring speed to the lineup.
They are joined in the starting nine by junior second baseman Laina Mette, junior first baseman Grace Braley, senior catcher Mikayla Churchill, senior left fielder Hannah Heald, junior right fielder Brittany Corey and senior designed player Catelyn Coulombe, along with junior pitcher Liza Durette. All are veterans from last year’s successful team.
Durette has been the workhorse on the mound, with Heald available as the No. 2 pitcher if needed. They were the team’s pitchers last season. Tatlock said a strong defensive effort throughout the season has been a key to the great start. Washburn has surrendered five runs or less in the six of the nine contests played so far.
The offense has also had its moments, putting 29 runs on the board in the opener against Hodgdon, 16 against Ashland and 23 Monday against Wisdom.
However, the Beavers face the most challenging portion of their schedule this week, with a home game against Central Aroostook this afternoon and a contest at No. 2 Limestone-MSSM Thursday. The first time around, Washburn bested CA, 10-5, and fell to the Eagles, 8-4.
“It’s a crucial week,” Tatlock said. “Central Aroostook is much improved and will be a threat down the stretch.
“We will need to be on our game defensively and offensively in order to come out on top [over Limestone-MSSM]. They are a tough team with great pitching and some big bats.”
The Beavers have seven reserves, a group that includes junior Kelsey Farr, sophomores Rachel Driscoll, Mariah Davis, Jackie West and Lacey Farley and freshmen Amber DuBois and Macey Barker.
Kaitlyn Maynard is the manager and Dave Heald returns as Tatlock’s assistant coach.
