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High school notebook: Versatility a key asset this spring for softball players
With the threat of players being out of the lineup because of COVID-19 protocols, softball coaches are having their players learn more positions than ever before.
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Cheverus softball coach Theresa Hendrix, center, shown talking to her team during a 2018 game, has had her players at multiple positions in every practice this spring.
Gregory Rec/Staff Photographer
High school softball coaches always want to have a utility player on the roster to fill in where needed. But this year, they are really stressing versatility among all their players.
Softball: Teams to watch in southern Maine
From three-time defending Class A champ Scarborough to tiny Sacopee Valley, these are softball teams to watch this spring.
Michael G. Seamans/Morning Sentinel
1. Scarborough: For the first time in forever, Coach Tom Griffin doesn’t have a pitcher returning with an inning of varsity experience. But if there’s a team that can overcome that inexperience, it’s the Red Storm, who have won 60 consecutive games and the last three Class A state championships. Senior catcher Sylvia Foley (.435), senior shortstop Mollie Verreault (.354, 20 runs), junior utility player Katie Roy (.537, 18 RBI, SMAA second team pick) and junior first baseman A.J. Swett (.373, 15 RBI) lead the offense.
Softball: Players to watch in southern Maine
These players didn t get to take the field last spring, but they are well worth keeping an eye on in 2021.
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Emily Antrim, Massabesic junior pitcher: After sharing pitching duties in 2019, when she went 4-1 with a save and a 3.73 ERA, Antrim will be the No. 1 pitcher. She also hit .455 in the cleanup spot.
Chantelle Bouchard, Biddeford junior catcher: Recovering from a knee injury, she is expected back later this spring. In 2019, Bouchard batted .458 with eight doubles, six home runs and 29 RBI.
Elly Bourgoine, York junior infield/outfield: Bourgoine had some key hits for the Wildcats in their 2019 run to the Class B state title game, and she’ll ignite the offense from the leadoff spot.
Freeport Falcons Winter Athletes of the Year
Contributed photo
Arsenault was well known entering the season for his offensive acumen and this winter, he stepped it up on the defensive end as well, emerging as one of the conference’s best all-around players, which helped the Falcons remain competitive throughout.
Arsenault started playing basketball at a young age and he took to it quickly.
“Basketball is my number one sport and has been for most of my life,” Arsenault said. “I have spent more time and effort on basketball than I have on any other sport. The thing I love about basketball is the competitive scene of it. I love competing and putting all my effort on the court. When I’m on the court, all I think about is basketball and I leave everything else behind.”
North Yarmouth Academy Panthers Winter Athletes of the Year pressherald.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from pressherald.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.