Inexperienced PI girls playing well early
PRESQUE ISLE — With seven of the nine starters from the previous season have either graduated or opting to not come back, Wildcat varsity softball coach Alan Curtis wasn’t real sure what was in store as the 2011 season got underway.
“With one senior, five juniors, five sophomores, and four freshmen making up the young 15-player team, it was evident that players would have to step into new roles and perform,” stated Curtis.
Staff Photo/Joseph Cyr
LEVEL SWING — Presque Isle’s Alecia Palmer takes a swing at a pitch during Wednesday’s softball game against Houlton. Palmer, a senior, is the Wildcats’ top hitter so far this season.
In the early going, the Wildcat girls have done just that. A 3-2 start has shown the potential that this team has as they have picked up a pair of wins against rival Houlton and an impressive shutout win over rival Fort Kent. The two losses came at the hands of MDI by 7-2 and 5-2 scores.
Curtis said the team’s defense has keyed the team so far.
“We have made less than one error per game,” Curtis said. “Without power pitching, we have to get outs when our opponents put the ball in play.”
The defense all around has been solid, and has been led by senior shortstop Alecia Palmer and sophomore second baseman Kailey Shaw.
“They’ve handled everything,” continued Curtis, who noted that Shaw has yet to make an error on the season. Sophomore Liza Buck is manning first base and junior Jessica Dumais is at third. Primary catching duties have been handled by junior Jessica Theriault, while Shaw jumps in for the second game of doubleheaders. In the outfield, sophomore Karlee Bernier, freshman Shea Brown and sophomore Laurin Ackerson are patrolling left, center, and right respectively. Brown actually started the year at short, but has moved to center and has been outstanding.
Staff Photo/Joseph Cyr
SAFE SLIDE — Wildcat Courtney Colligan slides safely into home plate as Houlton catcher Megan Hannigan awaits a throw that never came. PI won last Wednesday’s game, 10-5.
Another strength noted by Curtis was the pitching. Junior Courtney Colligan is the primary pitcher, while Laurin Ackerson and Palmer will also put in some innings on the mound.
“They aren’t power pitchers,” stated Curtis, “but they have done the job by changing speeds, and not giving up free passes. They have made our opponents put the ball in play, and after that the defense has been doing the job.”
The Wildcats are also getting leadership offensively from Palmer who is leading the team by hitting better than .600 in the early going including no strikeouts.
“She always gets the bat on the ball,” explained Curtis, “and with her speed good things happen.”
Jessica Theriault has also been big hitting better than .400.
“Everyone is working hard,” stated Curtis.
Other contributors have included junior Katie Patenaude and freshman Logan Caron, who are seeing action in the designated player role. Freshmen Carly Bell and Hanna Postell, sophomore Madison Michaud and junior Lauren Rand will see action in a variety of positions.
“We will have to continue to play good defense and get consistent pitching to keep winning,” Curtis said.
The Wildcats have a difficult schedule ahead of them with games against Class B powers Mattanawcook of Lincoln, John Bapst, Old Town and cross-town rival Caribou.
