PI looks to build offensive game
By Kevin Sjoberg
Sports Reporter
Preview
PRESQUE ISLE — First-year coach Terry Cummings has instituted exercise videos into the team’s preseason regimen in an attempt to gain strength at the plate.
“We have focused on getting the girls stronger by doing P90X three times a week in order to help their swing become more powerful,” Cummings said. “They are seeing some huge results with this program.”
Presque Isle had a 5-13 record last year under Alan Curtis, who retired at the end of the season. Courtney Colligan, Kathryn Patenaude, Jess Theriault and Jess Dumais were the key losses from the 2012 team.
The Wildcats are anchored by a strong senior group, which includes pitcher Laurin Ackerson, second baseman Karlee Bernier, first baseman Liza Buck and outfielder Madison Michaud.
Ackerson has demonstrated plenty of confidence and has added another pitch, a screwball, to her repertoire. She will also be part of the batting lineup after being hit for a season ago. Bernier will be near the top of the order and Buck will be in the middle with her power potential. Michaud is a versatile performer who can play all three outfield positions.
Junior Shea Brown will get the starting nod at shortstop and is a speedster who will bat in one of the top spots in the lineup. Carly Bell, another junior, will probably start in left field but can play numerous positions and also is a solid hitter.
Six sophomores are part of the Wildcat roster. Megan Seward will start at third base and will join Buck as one of the team’s top power hitters. Jordi Legassie gets the nod in center field, Kalie Ward is one of the fastest players on the team and will pitch and play first base. Macy Desmond and Kelsey Gilson are both good utility players and Erin Ackerson can play both corner outfield positions.
The freshman group is led by Jillian Flynn, who will start at catcher. Hailey Cameron can play numerous positions in the field and Olivia Hudson is the No. 2 pitcher and will also play the outfield.
Mikayla Albert manages the team and Daren Hunter is aboard for his first season as an assistant coach.
“I like the heart and desire the girls have shown so far,” said Cummings, who had recently coached the UMPI softball team for 1-1/2 years. “If we can play solid defense, and it appears that it will be strong, and can come up with some timely hits, we should be in every game.
“With a lot of young players starting in key positions, how quickly they develop will determine our success,” he added.
