Oak Hill High School spring sports previews
Baseball
Coach:Chad Drouin (5th season)
Last season: 6-10 in Class B West
Top returners: Ben Rines (Sr., P-INF), Brett Turcotte (Sr., 3B), Josh Prue (Sr., C), Joey Morneault (Jr., OF), Josh Sirois (Sr., P), Isaiah Mills (Sr., P), Shawn Greenier (Sr., 1B)
Key newcomers: Timothy Levesque (Jr., SS), Cody Plourde (Jr., OF-P), Josh Martin (Fr., P)
Outlook: Drouin is excited about the chemistry on this year's team, and he's particularly excited about the addition of juniors Timothy Levesque and Cody Plourde who will play vital roles for the Raiders this season. Levesque will play shortstop while the left-handed Plourde adds to a deep pitching staff anchored by seniors Ben Rines and Josh Sirois. Both newcomers will also hit in the middle of the order.
Coach's comment: "I like the looks of our pitching staff a lot. Defensively, I think we're excellent."
Boys lacrosse
Coach: Adam Dube (1st season)
Last season: 11-3, KVAC B champions, lost in East B quarterfinals to Mt. Blue
Top returners: D Matt Averill (Sr.), GK Caleb Fournier (Sr.), M Tyler Gagnon (Sr.), A Drew Janelle (Sr.), D Tyler Michaud (Sr.), D Corey Stubbs (Sr.), M Tony Vattaso (Sr.), LSM Tyler Wells (Sr.).
Key newcomers: M Will Aronson (So.), M Nik Moring (So.), M Nate Rolston (So.), D Eric Vattaso (So.).
Outlook: Oak Hill will be very competitive this season with a vetern line of defenders and an outstanding goalie (Fournier). The Raiders do need to find midfielders to remain a strong team in the transition game.
Coach's comment: "You can expect a tough game when you play Oak Hill. Overall, everyone has a great attitude and a strong intensity whey they are on the field."
SOFTBALL
Coach: Julie Boucher (13th season)
Last season: 12-4, lost in Western B quarterfinals
Top returners: C Becca Roberts (Sr.); 1B Sarah Albert (Jr.); P/3B Lauren Hall (So.); C/OF Taylor Fillion (So.); SS Becca Belaire (So.).
Top newcomers: OF/1B Andrea Jenney (Jr.); 2B/P Abby Goulet (So.); 2B/OF Katie Wood (So.).
Outlook: As always, the team is looking to make the playoffs after graduating seven seniors from last year's 12-win team, and they'll do so a more experienced Hall and a good defense behind her. Roberts was a first team KVAC B all-star last season, giving the Raiders a strong battery for controlling games.
Coach's comment: "I have the same expectation for this team that I've always had. We hope for the playoffs, and we feel we can get there. I'm confident they'll rise to the occasion. They all love to play the game."
Girls tennis
Coach: Jamie Boucher
Last season: 9-3, advanced to Class B quarterfinals
Top returners: Hannah Langlois (Soph., singles), Samantha Work (Sr., singles), Sarah Lacroix (Soph., singles), Hannah Rancourt (Sr.), Ambyr Provost (Sr.), Lynnae Chaput (Jr.)
Key newcomers: Rebecca Lahotay (Soph.), Nicole Ellis (Jr.), Brianna Ritchi (Soph.), Darby Beaulieu (Fr.)
Outlook: Langlois will play No. 1 singles after playing No. 2 last season. The Raiders graduated just two players and should be in the mix this spring. Lacroix is moving up to third singles after playing second doubles.
Coach's comment: "We should have a successful season. We have a lot of experience returning from last year."
Boys tennis
Coach: Jamie Boucher
Last season: 6-6
Top returners: Chris Hatch (Sr., singles), Tanner Lessard (Soph., singles)
Key newcomers: Brian Bradstreet (Soph., singles), Joe Turcotte (Soph.), Jack Champagne (Soph.), Devyn Pepin (Jr.).
Outlook: The Raiders graduated the bulk of its team from last season and feature just one returning senior. Bradstreet will play No. 1 singles while Lessard will compete at No. 2. Hatch will play third singles.
Coach's comment: "We're excited for the season. As far as experience goes, all singles players are new to the position. There will be some learning and some growth. We're definitely young."
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