The Brewer High School softball team, despite starting five freshmen, had a nice bounceback season last spring after rare back-to-back losing seasons in 2022 and ‘21.
The Witches finished 10-6 in Class A North and earned the fourth seed before losing to No. 5 Brunswick 4-3 in the A North quarterfinals.
They had gone 3-13 in 2022 and 6-10 in ‘21 in their first two years back in Class A after winning consecutive state titles in Class B in 2018 and ’19.
“We’ve improved a little,” said 17th-year head coach Skp Estes. “Our goal is to be a playoff team. We were last year and I’m assuming we will be around the same (seeding) this year.
“Oxford Hills and Skowhegan will be the top dogs and the rest of us will be chasing them,” Estes added.
All-Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference Class A North first team shortstop Jordan Doak has graduated but a solid nucleus returns and the Witches have added a pair of quality transfers in Paige Oakes from Hampden Academy and Olivia Bragdon from Orono High.
Oakes and Bragdon didn’t play last spring due to torn anterior cruciate ligaments in their knees, according to Estes.
Estes said he has never had a team with as much versatility as this one.
Most of his players can play multiple positions.
“It has been weird to have so much versatility. Just plug-in and play, as they say,” Estes said.
Sara Young evolved into their ace in the pitching circle as a freshman last season and Estes said she is better this year.
“She works really hard at her craft. Compared to a lot of pitchers I’ve had in the past, who weren’t seasoned until they were juniors and seniors, she is comparable at the same age level. She is doing really well,” said Estes.
The other players who started as freshmen last year were center fielder Madison Shaw, left fielder Olivia Gilmore, first baseman Jillian Ford and designated player Emma Jameson.
Junior Jordin Williams started at second base but will start at shortstop or behind the plate this spring. She is the team’s only three-year starter.
Oakes will start at third base or shortstop; Bragdon can play second, shortstop or third and junior Taylor Grant could start at second base or play in the outfield.
He has a number of catchers he can choose from including Williams, Jameson and freshman Sarah Snowdeal.
Gilmore returns in left and Shaw in center and Estes has several options in right field including Grant, Jameson and Bragdon.
Ford returns at first to anchor an infield that Estes said is further ahead, defensively, than last year’s infield at this time of the spring.
“And our outfield is just as solid,” said Estes.
He feels he has the potential to have a potent lineup.
“We can hit up and down the lineup,” said Estes.
Jameson, Shaw, Williams, Ford and freshman Kendellyn Asay can all hit for power and Oakes, Williams, Shaw provide them with speed.
Laura Stewart is the team’s only senior and she backs up Young in the circle and can play a variety of positions. Juniors Hannah Snowdeal and Elaina Chapman can play first base or the outfield.
Hannah Snowdeal, Sarah’s older sister, missed last season due to a shoulder injury.
Young said the Witches are capable of having an outstanding season and Williams agreed.
“We work really well together. The bond is outstanding. The sky is the limit,” said Young.
“We could be really good,” said Williams.
Young has higher expectations for herself now that she has a year under her belt.
“I’ve built up my strength,” said Young, who works with pitching instructor and Husson University interim head coach Rick Roberts. “I’ve worked on the mental side (of pitching).
“I have focused on my control. (Pitch) location will be key,” Young said.
Brewer opens the season at 4 p.m. on Thursday when it hosts defending A North champ Oxford Hills of South Paris.
