Blue Hill—After a season-long losing streak, the George Stevens Academy softball team dug deep at bat and found victory against Sumner Saturday, May 18, on the road in the first matchup between the two teams this season. The Eagles pulled out a 19-9 win against the #6 Tigers, improving their record to 1-9, before falling 16-0 in a rematch at home on May 21.
“They played worse on Saturday and we played better then,” Coach Todd Eckenfelder said. “[Tuesday], the roles were flipped. I don’t think our two teams are hugely different, they may be a little more talented, but not by a long shot.”
George Stevens Academy pitcher Sophie Peasley hurls a pitch from the circle during a home game against Sumner on May 21. Photo by Monique Labbe
The Eagles are ranked 11th in the Heal Point Standings, one spot below qualifying for the playoffs. With five games left in the season, GSA could still slide into a preliminary playoff berth.
“We have made some improvements as a team, but we still have a long way to go,” Eckenfelder said. “Our hitting was great on Saturday but we couldn’t do anything yesterday [against the same Sumner pitcher]. Softball is a funny game that way.”
Upcoming are games against three of the top five Class C teams in the North—Bucksport, Central and Dexter— before the Eagles close out the regular season at Deer Isle on May 29. The Eagles play at home Friday, May 24, against Central at 4:30 p.m.
George Stevens Academy catcher Heather Munroe gets ready to receive a pitch during a home game against Sumner on May 21. Photo by Monique Labbe