The Ashland Hornets hope to make a name for themselves this season. Coached by 10-year veteran Dan Cote, the Hornets are returning nine players (including seven starters) who should provide the team with the experience and veteran know-how needed to improve on last year’s record and make a push in the Class D playoffs.
Three of the returning starters, seniors Cody Blair, Mike Cook and Ben Vaughan, make up the core of the batting order and provide some pitching depth. This, according to Cote, is “crucial with a tight schedule” and gives the team some added leadership.
While returning a bulk of the lineup is beneficial, the key to a successful season for the Hornets lies in the defense.
“We have to stay healthy and get quality pitching and play solid D without giving up too many big innings,” Cote said.
Some important matchups for Ashland this season include Southern Aroostook and Washburn, as well as Fort Fairfield, who dealt the Hornets a loss in last season’s playoffs.
The starters for the Hornets are seniors Cook, Vaughan, Blair, Jeremy Caron and Lane Deabay; juniors Malcolm Milligan and Timmy Tarr; and sophomores Kyle Beaulier and Lucas Craig. Rounding out the roster are junior Airin Harmon and freshmen Alex Kaiser, Stephen Bellanceau and Roy Morrow.
