The long, lingering winter has receded at last and area high school softball teams are ready and eager to tackle the spring schedule around the Upper Valley.
The 2018 season was a tale of polarity for many teams in the region. Oxbow won its second consecutive VPA Division III state championship, and four teams (including the Olympians) finished with three losses or fewer. The Olympians, under coach Carl Hildebrandt, look primed to go for the three-peat with Merrimack College-bound starting pitcher Madison Fornwalt back for her senior season.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, six teams won six or fewer games and will be looking to rebound in 2019. Lebanon suffered through an 0-16 record a year ago but now fields a roster including 11 players with varsity experience who hope to help the Raiders get back in the win column.
One thing universally agreed upon by all coaches is that cold, wet conditions this spring have made early-season practices and games a difficult endeavor.
“It’s been hard practicing in the gym,” Woodstock coach Jane Hoisington said. “We need to get out onto the field and into game situations to develop.”
Here’s a capsule look at each team:
Coach: Mariruth Graham (2 years).
Last year: 5-12, did not qualify for postseason.
League: NHIAA Division II.
Returnees: Seniors — Becca Wilson (P), Daria Gundermann (OF), Bri Elder (SS). Juniors — Katrina Randall (OF), Arabella Meacham-Snyder (UT), Sophia Nadeau (OF), Mollie Broder (C), Bella Bardales (3B), Emily LeBlanc (2B), Olivia Peterson (1B/OF), Kelley Finley (1B/OF). Sophomore — Emilee Jones (OF/P).
Newcomers: Sophomore — Enna Prak (IF). Freshmen — Haily Stewart (C), Grace Lewandoski (OF), Rylie Marshall (1B), Ella Caterini (IF), Izzy Kachikis (UT).
Analysis: The Marauders are moving up to Division II from D-III this season and will field a roster stocked with upperclassmen as they look to be competitive in a higher division. Coach Mariruth Graham will be looking to captains Bri Elder and Katrina Randall as team leaders along with returning third-team all-state selection Bella Bardales.
“This squad is eager and hungry to make a run for the playoffs,” Graham said.
Coach: Bob Beisler (2).
Last year: 5-12, lost in first round.
Leagues: VPA Division II, Marble Valley League.
Returnees: Seniors — Bianca Severance (1B), Kelsie Thibodeau (2B), Carrie Comstock (OF), Emily Smith (OF), Delaney Simmons (OF), Bailey Bean (P). Sophomore — Cassidy Beisler (C).
Newcomers: Junior — Samantha Gibbs (P). Sophomores — Bailey Cameron (3B), Nevaeh Murphy (OF), Alecia Thompson (OF). Freshman — Hailie Buffum (SS).
Analysis: Second-year coach Bob Beisler expects pitching, including contributions from freshman Hailey Buffum, and overall team hitting to be team strengths for the Hurricanes.
“We’re young and hungry. We’ve been working very hard in the batting cage,” coach Beisler said. “We play a very tough schedule in MVL-A (Division) but welcome the challenge.”
Coach: Ray Pettersen (3).
Last year: 0-16, did not qualify for postseason.
League: NHIAA Division II.
Returnees: Senior — Alexandra Amature (P/1B). Juniors — Kayleigh Triesch (C), Kelsey Carney (RF), Kaitlyn Veracka (SS), Meghan Olney (LF), Angeleena Davis (CF). Sophomores — Cassady Coates (2B), Toni Ta (RF), Autumn Crowell (1B), Kaitlyn Eylander (P/1B), Keira Hines (3B).
Newcomers: Freshmen — Yasmine Lambert (P), Lilly Pettersen (P).
Analysis: A large group of returning players will lead the way for the Raiders, who will be looking to get back in the win column after a tough season last year. Coach Ray Pettersen has set a goal of qualifying for the Division II playoffs and believes this team has the skill and determination to take a leap forward this season.
“Everyone on the team is extremely supportive and as a group we have a strong positive vibe,” Pettersen said. “These girls have been working together a lot over the last few years and they are melding well.”
Coach: Chris Thurston (1).
Last year: 6-11, lost in first round.
League: NHIAA Division III.
Returnees: Seniors — Abby Duhaime (IF), Morgan Prentiss (IF). Juniors — Sam Pecararo (P), Theresa Curtis (C).
Newcomers: Seniors — Taylor Crate (IF), Emma Monsante (UT). Junior — Morgan Kendall (IF). Sophomores — Abigail Anderson (IF), Mara Isham (OF/P), Paige Jette (OF/C), Alayna Miller (OF). Freshman — Brianna Withington (UT).
Analysis: Senior co-captains Abby Duhaime and Morgan Prentiss will lead a young Royals team, merging with pitcher Sam Pecararo and catcher Theresa Curtis to provide much-needed varsity experience. Chris Thurston takes the reigns as varsity coach after two years as junior varsity coach, and he liked his team’s attitude in the early going.
“I’m very excited to see what we can do. The team seems to be adjusting well and seems to be working well together as a team,” Thurston said. “With a fairly new roster, there are challenges to overcome. But we’re getting there, and I’m looking forward to a great season.”
Coach: Sam McNeel (5).
Last year: 15-1, lost in quarterfinals.
League: NHIAA Division III.
Returnees: Seniors — Megan Howard (IF), Libby Tremblay (OF). Juniors — Lacey McNeel (P/IF), Alyssa Burr (IF). Sophomores — Erin Seagrove (C), Jenna Meheu (IF), Kelsey Wheeler (IF), Shelby Adams (IF).
Newcomers: Junior — Alexandra Richardson (UT). Sophomores — Morgan Oakley (UT), Annalaize June (OF). Freshmen — Zeta Morris (UT), Alicia Urista (OF), Annalee Hall (UT).
Analysis: The Tigers are coming off a highly successful 2018 season and will once again be led by ace starting pitcher Lacey McNeel. Newport did graduate its starting catcher, shortstop and center fielder from last year’s team, so there will be some rebuilding happening up the middle. Starting first baseman Alyssa Burr is out with a knee injury, further complicating the transition to the new season.
Coach: Carl Hildebrandt (2).
Last year: 13-3, state champions.
Leagues: VPA Division III, Capital League.
Returnees: Seniors — Madison Fornwalt (P), Schyler Hanzas (SS), Kaysea Neil (C), Lilly Bartlett (RF), Rilee Wadsworth (LF). Juniors — Amber Glaude (3B), Melanie Neil (CF). Sophomores — Emma DeGoosh (2B), Makayla Simmons (INF), Leia White (1B), Allie Root (OF), Madie Wright (OF).
Newcomers: Sophomores — Sierra Longmoore (UT), Aspen Longmoore (UT). Freshman — Emma Parkin (C).
Analysis: The two-time defending state champion Olympians return nearly the full roster from last season and looked primed to repeat. Senior pitcher Madison Fornwalt will be looking to cap her career with another strong season in the circle.
“They are hungry for another banner and understand what it takes to get there,” coach Carl Hildebrandt said. “I’m looking forward to a great year with some challenging games and towards going deep into the playoffs.”
Coach: Don Mitchell (4).
Last year: 1-13, qualified for postseason but did not play.
Leagues: VPA Division IV, Central Vermont League.
Returnees: Juniors — Caitlin Kilmer (IF), Katelyn Woodbeck (SS/P), Madison Weeks (OF). Sophomores — Emma Gagner (OF), Natalie Martin (P/IF), Samantha Beaupre (IF).
Newcomers: Junior — Kendyl Boisvert (C/P/IF). Eighth-graders — Emma Marsh (P/IF), Ryleigh Butler (IF), Sierra Flint (CF).
Analysis: The Raptors will look to build strength up the middle led by catcher Kendyl Boisvert, pitcher Natalie Martin and shortstop/pitcher Katelyn Woodbeck. A postseason berth could be attainable for this group.
“We are a very young team. We hope to gel quickly as a team and improve towards the playoffs. Numbers continue to be a challenge, but we have an enthusiastic team,” coach Don Mitchell said.
Coach: Missy Nichols (18).
Last year: 16-3, lost in D-III quarterfinals to Berlin.
League: NHIAA Division II.
Returnees: Seniors — Madison Lapsley (P), Jenna Pond (SS), Ashlyn Marsh (OF), Madeline Ferland (OF), Amelia Parizo (OF), Kaitlyn Chambers (1B), Ryann Rider (UT). Juniors — Ellee Grenier (2B), Tanner Brown (3B). Sophomores — Morgan Rhodes (P), Zoey Foote (UT), Makayla Maccioli (C).
Newcomers: Freshman — Brianna Frisbee (P).
Analysis: The Cardinals have moved up the Division II and will be playing a schedule full of teams generally unfamiliar from past seasons. A large contingent of returning players, including batterymates Madison Lapsley and Makayla Maccioli, should have Stevens in position for another postseason run. The Cardinals also return their entire starting infield in Tanner Brown, Jenna Pond, Ellee Grenier and Kaitlyn Chambers.
Coach: Bonnie Cruz (10).
Last year: 9-8, lost to Hopkinton in first round.
League: NHIAA Division IV.
Returnees: Seniors — Hannah Cooney (P/OF), Erin Moynihan (UT), Star Lucas (OF), Elizabeth Bennett (SS). Juniors — Ellie Frederick (P/C), Tess Palin (UT). Sophomores — Miah Hamm (C/OF), Mackenzie Wrightington (IF), Kathryn Hastings (UT), Anah Durkee (OF/P).
Newcomers: Freshmen — Natalie Austin (IF/P), Molly Reed (OF), Saylor Garland (OF).
Analysis: The Lakers return a solid core of players from last season’s roster and will be looking to advance deeper in the D-IV playoffs.
“We’re getting better everyday,” coach Bonnie Cruz said. “This team is unselfish and hardworking. Everyone is playing many different positions to be more prepared for any game situation we may face.”
Coach: Jesse Soulia (1).
Last year: 7-8, lost in quarterfinals.
Leagues: VPA Division III, Capital League.
Returnees: Seniors — Lily Vaughan (P/1B), Shannon Hayes (P/2B). Juniors — Jade Jamieson (P/SS), Ellen Veracka (C/SS). Sophomores — Becca Wells (C/1B), Jasmine Doody (3B), Crystal Parshley (1B/2B). Freshman — Krystal McKinney (OF).
Newcomers: Juniors — Alexis Gaetz (OF), Grace Novotny (OF), Bethany Maxfield (OF). Freshman — Cayden Benjamin (OF).
Analysis: The Panthers lost five seniors from last season’s roster and will be looking for plenty of new faces to assert themselves in the starting lineup.
“I’m confident in this team. They’ve been working very hard at practices and have been more than willing to give me, as a new coach, their trust,” coach Jesse Soulia said. “I’m looking forward to a great season with an even greater group of young women.”
Coach: Sandy Gates (1).
Last year: Whitcomb-Rochester went 17-1 and won the Division IV state title. South Royalton was 6-9 and lost in the D-IV opening round.
Leagues: VPA Division III, Central Vermont League.
Returnees: Senior — Paige Ballentine (P/OF). Junior — Macey Carbino (3B). Sophomores — Blake Southworth (P/OF), Chelsie Trask (P/1B), Toni Turner (UT), Fiona Vaillancourt (P/SS), Hannah White (C/IF). Freshmen — Taylor Rogers (OF), Emily Dean (IF/OF).
Newcomers: Senior — Heather Winters (OF). Freshmen — Julia Morse (IF/OF), Sarah Howe (C/SS), Sophie Howe (CF), Izzy Durkee (OF).
Analysis: They may look young on paper, but these Wildcats have plenty of experience, particularly in the circle. Trask and Vaillancourt pitched Whitchester to a state title in the co-op’s final game as a program last June; with Blake Southworth added to the mix, White River Valley could have the best set of arms in D-III.
“They’re so young, but they have all of the things to be a really, really athletic team,” coach Sandy Gates said. “It’s just a matter of getting people specialized in specific positions. They’re all the perfect utility player, but we’re trying to get them to hone in on certain skills. … Having experience on the mound is a huge difference at this level, so we’re not struggling there.”
Coach: Heather Stearns (2).
Last year: 6-12, lost in quarterfinals.
Leagues: VPA Division III, Marble Valley League.
Returnees: Seniors — Kristin Clark (1B), Jasmine Frazer (2B), Brooke McKeen (3B), Ava Sutton (OF), Angel Sutton (OF), Kacie Charest (OF) Madison Putnam (OF). Junior — Alexianna Merrill (P/OF). Sophomores — Hannah Wood (SS), Adi Prior (C).
Newcomers: Senior — Meranda Keough (P/OF). Juniors — Hannah Kemp (OF), Sammantha Erskine (P/OF). Sophomores — Kate Murphy (UT), Paige Kleefisch (UT), Alyssa Slocum (UT). Freshman — Peyton Richardson (P).
Analysis: The Yellowjackets will be looking to improve on last season’s record through a focus on strong team defense. A good blend of varsity experience and an athletic group of newcomers has coach Heather Stearns looking forward to the season.
“As a coach, I’m confident in all of our players in each position so I expect we’ll be a risk-taking team. It could lead to some very exciting games. I believe we’ll rally together as a team,” Stearns said.
Coach: Jane Hoisington (7).
Last year: 4-13, lost in the first round.
Leagues: VPA Division II, Marble Valley League.
Returnees: Senior — Cassie Hill (OF). Juniors — Bitty Alexander (C), Kaylee Longley (P/IF), Lizzie Peck (P), Tessa Steward (UT), Mackenzie Yates (IF), Sami Yates (IF).
Newcomers: Senior — Julia Kowalski (OF). Juniors — Hayley Mullins (IF), Anna Walker (IF). Sophomores — Riley Earle (UT), Paige Surrell (UT).
Analysis: The Wasps will look to be strong up the middle led by pitcher Lizzie Peck with Bitty Alexander catching, along with shortstop Mackenzie Yates and second baseman Sami Yates.
“I’ll be looking to them to provide leadership,” coach Jane Hoisington said. “The new players have solid skills, we just need to get game experience to get everyone up to speed to fit in with the core players. I’m looking forward to a successful and competitive season.”
Coach: Dana Huntington (9).
Last year: 16-2, lost in semifinals.
League: NHIAA Division IV.
Returnees: Senior — Laura Beckley (C/OF). Juniors — Sarah Britton (UT), McKenzie Dennis (P/IF/OF), Emma Restelli (UT). Sophomores — Maachah Krull (UT), Emily Prest (UT), Morgan Wagstaff (UT).
Newcomers: Seniors — Maud McIntyre (UT), Jordan Sargent (UT), Harlee Gray (UT). Sophomore — Keatyn Horne (UT). Freshmen — Emily Farr (C), Mackenzie Kingsbury (P/IF/OF), Leah Krull (UT), Anna McIntyre (P/IF/OF), Maddie Roy (UT).
Analysis: The Engineers graduated nine players from last season’s semifinal team, so there will be some rebuilding happening this spring. Nonetheless, coach Dana Huntington sees plenty of skill in the newly formed team to give hope of another playoff run.
“The returning group did a great job last year and I look forward to them taking the next step this year,” Huntington said. “This group is looking forward to getting the season started. I’m looking forward to the newcomers blending in with the skilled, experienced returnees to create a quality softball team.”