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 Softball
2009 Preview
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2009 Maine Maritime Softball Season Preview
The Lady Mariners enter the 2009 softball season with a youthful, energetic squad. The returning players gained valuable experience from last season and have matured as softball players and as individuals. The team is still very young, with no seniors and a a balanced mix of underclassmen.
Top returners for MMA include a pair of sophomores in Mallery Stanley and Megan Russell. Stanley was the team's top offensive player last season and will be taking over pitching responsibilities due to the loss of both pitchers from 2008. "Mal is a fundamentally sound player and has worked hard to develop and improve as a pitcher. I know she will work her hardest for us each day, reports Coach Dagan." A centerfielder, Russell was the team's top defensive player last season with a school record 1.00 fielding percentage. "Meg has great instincts and a top notch attitude. She leads by example and is a great role model for our team," says Dagan. Junior returners include Hannah Seamans, Nicole Poland and Sam Rheaume. Hannah is a two year starter at first base and along with Sam Rheume was
voted Most Improved Player last season. Sam will be returning to right field and will be joined by Poland in left field. "Hannah worked extremely hard in the off-season to prepare for this spring. She ended last season on a positive note and I believe she will have her strongest season yet. Sam's defensive game improved last season and we are looking for her to have another solid campaign in 2009. Nicki moved to the outfield towards the end of last season and found a new home in left field. She has a strong arm and will help strengthen our defense," says Dagan. Rounding out the infield will be Asia Ross at third base. "Asia finished the season at third base and did a great job for us," says Dagan, "She worked hard in the off season to improve her game and strengthen her knee from off-season surgery."
Newcomers to the team are Kayla Higgins, Ashley Hunt, Lauren Fling, Dana Houghton and Kayley Rodriguez. Higgins is expected to have an immediate impact on the team. She is a power hitter and a strong catcher who will also see time at shortstop. Ashley will share catching responsibilities and also play in the infield. Lauren will see time at second base while Dana and Kayley will be utility players who will help fill the void of Brittany Hunt who will miss the season due to injury.
Reports Coach Dagan, "The players are aware of the many challenges they face this season due to the loss of our 2008 pitching staff, but they are optimistic and determined to overcome them. Our team has really come together and we have had our strongest pre-season ever. This is a fun group with a lot of potential. We have a great foundation to build on and the future is bright for our program."
Contact Katrina Dagan at 207-326-2484 or by email at kolmsted@mma.edu
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MMA Athletics • Pleasant Street • Castine, ME 04420 • (207) 326-2450
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