The Western Maine Class B tournament field could see a number of teams from different conferences battling for playoff spots, which would make for an intriguing tourney field.
Both Poland and Gray-New Gloucester return experienced teams and could be tourney teams in the WMC and Western B. Oak Hill is a solid club coming out of the MVC, while Spruce Mountain and Leavitt could be locals teams in KVAC B in the playoff hunt.
Poland finished ninth overeall last year but won a prelim and then gave top-ranked Cape Elizabeth a challenge in a 2-0 quarterfinal loss.
The Knights return nine players from that squad and could be competitive in an even WMC.
“We’re looking forward to playing in the competitive Western Maine Conference again this year,” Poland coach Kat McKay said. “No team in the league can be taken lightly. We will be looking to our veteran crew of seniors this season for strong leadership on the field.”
The Knights return seniors pitchers Kylie Martin and Kolby Woods. Also back are seniors Kelsey DeBurra, Michaella Arsenault, Kalor Plummer, Emily Gibson and Haley Whitworth. Also returning are sophomores Sarah Walton and Madison Simard.
Gray-New Gloucester finished fifth last year and lost to Wells in the quarterfinals. The Patriots lost pitcher Steph Greaton to graduation and outfielder Zoe Adams, to an injury during basketball season. Still, Gray-NG has 12 players back from last year. Some were part of the club that reached the regional final two years ago.
“The returning players have had a taste of the post season and have the ambition to get back there again this year,” Gray-NG coach Amanda Harmon said. “We are looking to leave a mark and make a solid run into the post season.”
Seniors Maria Valente, Sara Carder, Nicole Lowell and Crystal McLean lead a veteran team. Juniors Kaelyn Woods, Jennifer Sutherland, Jenny Holmquist are also back while sophomores Haley True, Skye Conley, Grace Kariotis, Hannah Dixon and Cara Waltz look to take on larger roles. The Patriots also add freshman Alie Martell, who could make an impact on the mound or at short.
Wells is the defending state champion in Class B, but graduated eight seniors. The Warriors also only had three juniors on last year’s club.
Cape Elizabeth was stunned in the regional final by Wells and graduated five from that team. The Capers could be a contender again with solid group of seniors and juniors returning.
Yarmouth reached the semifinals last spring before losing to the Capers, 9-8. The Clippers could be in the hunt as well this season. Greely was the fifth seeed and should be a threat once again. The Rangers lost in the quarters to Yarmouth but have some good young talent back. Fryeburg could rebound after a down season, finishing 10th overall. Lake Region, which finished seventh and lost in a prelim, could be in the hunt as well.
In KVAC B, Spruce Mountain is hoping to make an impression this spring. The Phoenix missed the tourney for the first time since Jay and Livermore Falls consolidated. Spruce Mountain returns 12 players from last year, including seniors Destiny White, Kailee Newcomb, Megan Duval, Patti Ryan, Katie Gordon and Emily Keene.
“(Being in the KVAC) will be a learning experience for players and coaches,” said Spruce Mountain coach Clint Brooks, who returns after a year off. “We have a solid corps of returning veterans for this season.”
Leavitt lost in the prelims last year. The Hornets have a new coach but return some experience. Seniors Livie Gilbert, Morgan Knowlton and juniors Kaitlyn DeBlois, Angela Daigle, Alivia Bubier, Cierra Hillard, Ashley Kelley and Abby Robertson return for the Hornets.
“We’re a veteran club looking to improve on last season’s record,” said Leavitt coach Kevin Leonard.
Other teams from the KVAC could be in the tourney field as well. Lincoln finished second in Western B last year but lost to Fryeburg in the quarterfinals. Maranacook could be improved and in the playoff chase also.
Coming from the MVC, Oak Hill missed the playoffs last spring but return 11 players and should be a team in the tourney hunt. Pitchers Sadie Goulet and Makayla Nadeau are back as are the team’s top hitters in Grace Sabine, Emma Hlister and Kayla Veilleux.
“We only lost two seniors from last year’s team and have a significant number of returning players,” said Oak Hill coach Allyson Collins. “This season looks to be an improvement on last year. It’s a fantastic group of young ladies, who deserve the success that I am sure will come to them.”
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