Blue Hill—The George Stevens Academy softball team looks to rebound from last year’s 1-15 record when it starts its season this week.
The team, now under the coaching of Todd Eckenfelder, returns most of its core players, including senior pitcher Mallory Charette and sophomore pitcher Sophie Peasley. Eckenfelder said that the pitching staff this year is one of the major differences that will have a positive impact.
“We have four girls who I think can get on the mound and throw pitches for us,” he said. “Two years ago Mal [Charette] threw the majority of our innings.”
Two freshmen, Ashley Emerson and Abbie Keenan, round out the pitching staff as two players Eckenfelder said “have been developing nicely.”
Eckenfelder said his team is looking forward to some of the bigger games on the schedule this season, against Class C heavy hitters Bucksport and Central.
“I think they understand that getting wins against those teams will be tough, but they’re excited to get out there and compete against those teams to hopefully show just how much they have improved,” he said.
The softball team is scheduled to open up the season this Thursday, April 18, against Ellsworth. The team was not able to get on the field before Wednesday due to road conditions leading out to the facilities.
Despite the lack of field time leading up to the start of the season, Eckenfelder said his team has been making the best of indoor and parking lot practices, and that he has already noticed some improvements.
“I think it’ll be a different team to watch,” he said.
The 2019 George Stevens Academy softball team includes, in front from left, Abbie Keenan, Sophie Peasley, Cassidy Bulleman, Crystal Forget, Heather Munroe, Mallory Charette, Saylor Grant and Hope Osborn. In back are assistant coach Frank Peasley, Hannah Dyer, Ashley Emerson, Shelby Williamson, Courtney Crocker, Sarah Chambers, Danielle Bianco, Mara Pickering, Brianna Hester, Morgan Welts and head coach Todd Eckenfelder. Not pictured are Ava Tapley and Avery Hamor. Photo courtesy of Larry Gray