RICHMOND — Green grass.

That’s what the Rangeley softball team saw Friday and it wasn’t something they were accustomed to.

The Lakers opened their regular season against the defending Western D champs from Richmond but were at a distinct disadvantage. The Bobcats were playing their 10th game and third regular season match. Rangeley had just started playing outside earlier in the week.

Rangeley’s rustiness and Richmond’s readiness proved to be the difference as the Bobcats beat the Lakers, 12-0, in a shortened six-inning game.

There were some communication errors,” said Rangeley coach Ashley Quimby. “That’s stuff that will work itself out. We were in the gym for three weeks and on the pavement for two days and on the field for four.”

Rangeley pitcher Taylor Esty had not toed a real rubber until Thursday.

“That’s a big difference,” said Richmond coach Rick Coughlin. “They had a hard, strong winter and we were lucky to be able to get out when we did. You can see the difference in play.”

The veteran Bobcats (3-0) were well-seasoned and sharp in the field at at the plate. The Lakers (0-1) struggled with reaction times and connecting on plays in the field. Though Rangeley only had one error, there were still too many misplays to keep them competitive with Richmond.

“I lost four big players from last year — pitcher, shortstop, third baseman and my centerfielder,” said Quimby, whose team lost to Richmond in the regional final. “Taylor’s unable to catch this year, too. So we’re working that around with people in difference places.”

Senior pitcher Jaime Plummer held the Lakers to just two hits while she drove in a pair of runs with three hits.  Andra Meagher had a pair of hits and plated three.

“I think she was a good speed for us to hit,” said Plummer. “So once we saw her once or twice, we were able to connect.”

Richmond slowly built the lead and were up 5-0 before producing seven runs in the bottom of the sixth to end the game on the 12-run mercy rule.

“The kids were more confident in being able to hit the ball,” said Coughlin, whose team opened the regular season with a doubleheader win over Vinalhaven Saturday. “The small ball wasn’t really working at first.”

Rangeley threatened in the first when Abby Abbot singled and Tori Letarte reached on an error. Plummer escaped that treat and finished the game with nine strikeouts. Rangeley had just three more baserunners the rest of the way. Blayke Morin had the only other hit, in the sixth.

“My goal coming into the game is that I like to get up on every batter as soon as I can,” said Plummer. “I try to throw strikes and let them hit the ball and let the defense work.”

Richmond took a 2-0 lead in the second. Kalah Patterson was hit by a pitch and Kelsea Anair followed with a bunt hit to challenge the Rangeley defense. A pair of passed balls later allowed both to score for the early lead.

“I thought our runners made a big difference getting on and running and putting some pressure on them,” said Coughlin.

In the third, Patterson doubled in a run. Then Plummer and Meagher singled in runs in the fourth for a 5-0 lead. Richmond finished the job with seven in the sixth. Plummer had an RBI double. Meagher singled in a pair while Kelsie Obi and Chika Obi also singled in runs.

“I’m very happy with how they played,” said Quimby. “There’s little things we need to work on and we need to have more communication.”

kmills@sunjournal.com

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