Bookmark & share:

E-mail this page E-mail a letter to the editor Reader Comments (below)

BY BILL STEWART
Staff Writer 05/09/2008

BY BILL STEWART

Staff Writer

Chelsea Soule has one job and one job only when she steps into the batter's box.

"I need to get on base," said Soule, Cony's leadoff hitter. "I need to get on so our three and four hitters can get me home."

She's been doing a lot of that this season, helping the Rams jump out to a solid 7-0 start. Soule, who hits left-handed, loves to go the opposite field.

"I have a better chance to get on first when I hit the ball to left," said Soule, who plays third base. "I want to hit it to third or short."

In an 8-4 victory against Oxford Hills on Wednesday, Soule ignited a first-inning rally and prolonged another one in the sixth. The Rams pounced on the Vikings for three runs in the first, with Soule opening the inning with a single and a stolen base. She later scored on a botched rundown.

Cony coach Rocky Gaslin said Soule brings energy and speed atop the batting order.

"When she gets on base, it's as good as a triple or a double," he said. "She can swing, slap or bunt. She's a tough out. She sets the whole tone of the game."

She's also part of a dangerous lineup that thrives on its speed. No. 2 hitter Amy Jones can run and center fielder Suzannah Deeves can fly. Deeves usually hits right-handed, but Gaslin turned her around to the left side to better utilize her speed.

"We like to use our speed," he said. "We can hit-and-run and do a lot of things."

• • •

It's been a tough start for Gardiner (0-5), which not only is losing games, but players as well.

"It's been one thing after another," Gardiner coach Conrad Lewis said. "It seems like we're taking turns. It seems like when one thing happens something else happens."

Utility player Molly Snell broke a finger recently and is out for the season. Pitcher Jillian Philbrook is recovering from a quad injury, and on Tuesday night center fielder Molly Sirois suffered a concussion in a loss to Rockland.

Furthermore, Lewis said a few players have been on academic probation.

"It's been challenging," he said, "but you get to see what other kids can do. We're fighting through this adversity. Hopefully, we'll turn it around."

• • •

Richmond coach Rick Coughlin gambled early with some young players, and so far the moves are paying off. The Bobcats are off to a 5-1 start and are winning with inexperienced players starting at second, third and left field.

"We have some young kids at key places," Coughlin said. "We're doing better and we're going to get better."

Freshman Tara Hurley played catcher in middle school but starts at second base for the Bobcats. Coughlin converted her because her arm is best suited for that position.

Freshman Morgan Rines is starting in left field, and sophomore Cassie Hamilton plays third base after not playing softball last year.

"They're doing fine jobs," Coughlin said. "I was nervous at first; I didn't know what to expect, but they've responded well."

Pitcher Amy Russell is coming off a strong week, throwing a no-hitter against Windham Christian on Tuesday. She struck out 16.

"She's throwing harder than last year and has a lot more control," Coughlin said.

• • •

Erskine is 4-1 in its return to Class B after spending 2006-07 in Class A. The Eagles have a great start to being competitive in sophomore pitcher Sam Morse, who has been strong every time out.

Morse has not allowed more than two runs in any game and in her one loss, she tossed a one-hitter against Winslow and retired the last 20 batters she faced.

"She's pitched a lot of innings (in travel leagues)," Erskine coach Mike Soule said. "She's used to the pressure, and dealing with the pressure."

Morse's consistency has other effects. According to Soule, the defense is more relaxed because they know Morse will give a strong performance, and Morse can relax knowing that she has a solid defense behind her.

"It's a great combination of defense and pitching that we have right now," Soule said. "Things are really starting to click."

Also clicking is Erskine's offense. Soule said the one through five spots in the lineup -- Ashley Peaslee, Rachael Siegfriedt, Ericka Malley, Ashley Richardson and Morse -- were all hitting better than .400 through four games.

Soule believes the last four batters in the order will also start to hit once they gain more experience.

"It's just a matter of getting in a groove," he said.

Matt DiFillipo contributed to this report.

Bill Stewart -- 623-3811, ext. 515

bstewart@centralmaine.com

Bookmark and share this story: