Seacoast high school softball 2024: What to know about every team and their key players
Here's a team-by-team look at the upcoming high school softball season for Seacoast area schools in New Hampshire and Maine.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
DIVISION I
DOVER
Coach: Melvin Torres, third season.
2023 result: 2-16, didn't qualify for the Division I tournament.
Top returning players: Aaliyah Lafleur, soph., DH; Kendall Spagna, sr., 2B; Elizabeth Cook, jr., C/IF.
Other key players: Sierra Hutchinson, fresh., P; Jenna Martel, fresh., P; Kaitlyn Jokicouer, fresh., P.
Season outlook: The Green Wave have not not made the playoffs since 2021, but Torres believes his team has a “good chance to do well this season.” ... LaFleur looks to build on a strong freshman season when she was a Division I all-state honorable mention selection. ... Hutchinson, Martel, and Jokicouer are a trio of freshman pitchers who have “great potential,” according to Torres. ... “Our returning players have a solid foundation of skills to mentor the younger players and help our team,” Torres said. ”We struggled with errors last year, and I feel as a team we have grown and have the ability to do better this season.: ... Dover opens its 18-game regular-season schedule on Monday, April 8 at Merrimack.
EXETER
Coach: Kristen Morissette, 29th season.
2023 record: 17-3, lost to Winnacunnet in Division I semifinals.
Top returning players: Kristen Bickford, sr., IF/P; Annie Christiana, sr., OF/C; Edy Crawford, sr., P/1B; Summer LeClerc, sr., SS/P; Madi Paige, sr., IF/OF; Dejah Rondeau, sr., OF/C; Avery Allard, jr., OF/IF.
Other key Players: Nev Haugh, jr., IF/OF; Mykenna Whittier, jr., IF/OF; Rylee Marchand, sr., OF/1B; Maddy Mann, soph., IF/OF/C; Lila Smith, jr., C/IF/OF; Kaylee Leonard, sr., P/1B; Alexa Schlager, jr., 1B/OF.
Season outlook: The Blue Hawks won the Division I championship in 2022, then saw their season end last year with a semifinal loss to rival Winnacunnet. ... With the loss of three three-year starters, the Blue Hawks will rely on a veteran senior class led by Christiania, the reigning Division I Player of the Year. ... LeClerc, Crawford and Bickford will split time in the circle, and provide power in the middle of the lineup. ... Exeter’s offense starts with Christiana and LeClerc. Christiana has more than 100 hits in her career, and LeClerc hits for contact as well as power and provides added speed on the bases. ... "We have a terrific senior class that has played a lot of softball,” Morissette said. “We're going to look to them to lead us this spring and are excited for the younger players to step in and make things happen." ... Exeter opens its 18-game regular-season schedule on Monday, April 8 at Timberlane.
32 Seacoast softball players to watch: Here's a look at talented players from 12 high schools in 2024
PORTSMOUTH
Coach: Sandy Dewing, seventh season.
2023 result: 6-12, didn't qualify for the Division I tournament.
Top returning players: Evy Douglass, sr., OF; Abby Nersesian, sr., SS; Laura Milks, soph., C.
Other key players: Sarah Sokolnicki, soph., P.
Season outlook: After winning just one game in the previous two seasons, the Clippers steadily improved last year, winning one-third of their games. ... Portsmouth has not qualified for post-season play since 2018, when it went 5-11 and lost in the first round of the Division II tournament. ... Dewing expects further progress this season from his now-experienced team. ... “We’re excited about this year,” Dewing said. “I know the team is looking to go to playoffs but also realizes its one game at a time.” ... Nersesian was a Division I all-state honorable mention selection last year. ... Douglass, entering her fourth year on varsity, moves from second base to center field this season. ... Milks looks to build on a strong freshman year behind the plate. ... Portsmouth opens its 18-game regular-season schedule on Monday, April 8 at home against Nashua North.
SPAULDING
Coach: Sheila Colson, 33rd season.
2023 result: 12-7, lost to Timberlane in Division I preliminary round.
Top returning players: Addison French, sr., CF/1B; Maddie Hartman, jr., P/1B; Caitlin Willis, sr., 2B; Anna Stanley, sr., C/IF; Meg Uraskevich, soph., OF/P; Stella Sherman, sr., IF.
Other key players: CJ Dexter, jr., C; Alanna Malone, sr., IF; Mackenzie LeBlanc, soph., IF; Avery Grant, fresh., OF.
Season outlook: French is coming off a Division I all-state second-team season and Colson expects the Red Raiders to "be in the mix" this season. ... "We're versatile, gritty, and have positivity," Colson said. "The girls have great work ethic, and that's going to be a key to our success this year." .... French, Hartman and Willis will hit in the middle of the order this year. ... Colson has multiple pitchers at her disposal this season, but expects Hartman to get "a lot of the innings." ... Spaulding opens its 18-game regular-season schedule on Wednesday, April 10 at Bishop Guertin.
WINNACUNNET
Coach: Bill Edwards, third season.
2023 result: 18-4, lost to Concord in Division I state championship.
Key returning players: Maddy Eaton, sr., P; Maeva Shapiro, soph., C; Lucy Gelbstein, soph., SS; Halisa Carter, sr., IF; Chloe Cunningham, sr., P/OF; Joslyn Snow, sr., C/1B; Lilly Snow, jr., OF/IF; Arden Langmaid, soph,. OF; Fenway Schouller, soph., IF.
Other key players: Izzy Goucher, jr., OF; Emily Goupil, jr., IF/OF; Hayren Reynosa, soph., OF; Colette Le, soph., 1B; Celina King, soph., IF/OF; Olivia Hobbs, fresh., IF/OF; Sophia Donatelli, fresh,, IF/OF.
Season outlook: The Warriors bring back nine players from last year’s team which lost by one run in the championship game. ... Eaton, a Division I all-state first-team pick last year, has struck out 350 batters in the last two years, enters her fourth season on varsity. ... Eaton, Cunningham and Carter have been named team captains. ... “We did what we wanted to last year and had a chance to win in the final game of the year,” Edwards said. “That's our goal again this year, get back there and this time finish our season with a win. We’re bringing back a lot of talent and more experience which should help us go deep into the playoffs. This team has been very competitive, stays composed and has no quit, all of which I couldn’t be prouder of.” ... Winnacunnet opens its 19-game regular-season schedule on Monday, April 8 at Londonderry.
DIVISION II
OYSTER RIVER
Coach: Chad Michaud, second season.
2023 record: 11-7, lost to Hollis-Brookline in Division II quarterfinals.
Top returning players: Addy Veno, sr., P/CF; Maddy Veno, sr., C; Maeve Hickok, sr., 1B; Kate Michaud, soph., SS; Gracy Spirito, soph., 3B; Aliza Parks, soph., LF; Aubrey DeJesus, soph., CF; Morgan Trela, soph., P/2B.
Other key players: Lorelye LeClaire, soph., C/RF; Sam Bishop, soph., P/CF; Kaiya Mercier, fresh., 2B/OF; Mia Boyd, sr., 2B/OF; Laura Boughton, soph., C/OF; Meagan Rinko, sophomore, P/OF.
Season outlook: The Bobcats return their entire team from last season and look to advance past the quarterfinal round. ... “We were a very young team last year with the majority of the team learning as freshman together,” coach Michaud said. “This allowed tremendous growth over last season, and sets high expectations for this year.” ... Kate Michaud and Spirito were both named to the Division II all-state second team last year. ... Michaud led the Bobcats in several categories, including batting average, extra-base hits and RBIs, while Spirito had a team-high 30 hits, batted .400. ... “Our squad needs to hit for more power this year to compliment our solid pitching and strong defense and I expect the power will come as the girls have a year of varsity softball experience behind them.” ... Coach Michaud hopes to contend for a state title along with Coe-Brown, Kingswood, Sanborn, and Campbell. ... Oyster River opens its regular season on Wednesday, April 10 at Coe-Brown.
DIVISION III
ST. THOMAS AQUINAS
Coach: McKenzie McGrath, fourth season.
2023 record: 16-2, lost to Gilford in Division II semifinals.
Top returning players: Elizabeth Flynn, sr., SS; Alaina Bolduc, sr., 2B/OF; Abbie Gaynor, jr., P/3B; Amelia Anderson, jr, 1B; Maddie Hoyt, jr., C/OF.
Other key players: Kaity Kelly, soph., OF; Brielle Kelly, jr., OF; Emma Toriello, soph., 3B/C; Elizabeth Pelletier, fresh., OF/3B; Sammie Neal, sr., OF/2B; Abby Kosko, jr., OF; Sarah Flynn, sr., OF; Caitlin Flynn, sr., INF/OF.
Season outlook: The Saints were the No. 2 seed in last year’s Division III tournament, and McGrath believes her team, with a few new additions, has what it takes to make another state title run this spring. ... “I think we have the pieces to do some damage again,” McGrath said. “We can’t take anything for granted. We’re going to have to work hard day in and day out and take it one game at a time.” ... The Saints, in the past three years, have advanced to one further round than the year before. If that trend continues, the Saints will be in the championship game. ... “It won't be an easy road to get there, but we have a special group of players who are determined and will do whatever it takes to get to the big stage,” McGrath said. ... McGrath would put her team up there with Prospect Mountain and Gilford as pre-season favorites. ... Gaynor was an all-state first-team pick last year, Flynn was on the second team, and Anderson was honorable mention. ... STA opens its regular season on Monday, April 8 at Belmont.
SOMERSWORTH HIGH SCHOOL
Coach: Melissa Lambert, third season.
2023 result: 9-9, lost to St. Thomas Aquinas in the second round of the Division III tournament.
Top returning players: Danna Dyer, jr., P; Abygail Lambert, jr., C; Riley Barton, jr., 3B; Emma Hudon, sr., 1B; Jaiden Timmons, sr., OF; Lillie Hamilton, jr., OF; Emily Patterson, jr., OF.
Other key players: Kyle Pettingill, fresh., P; Mallory Walsh, jr., Utility/C; Kaylee Merrifield, jr., Utility/C.
Season outlook: The Hilltoppers went .500 in the regular season last year, finishing as the No. 9 seed and beating Fall Mountain in the tournament’s first round before falling in the next round. ... Abygail Lambert is a vocal presence behind the plate, and the Hilltoppers will be led by two pitchers – Dyer and Pettingill, a promising freshman. ... Dyer threw every inning last season ... Somersworth opens its 16-game regular season on Friday, April 12 at Raymond.
DIVISION IV
NEWMARKET
Coach: Todd Berry, fifth season.
2023 record: 14-5, lost to Portsmouth Christian Academy in Division IV semifinals.
Key returning players: Emma Walkowiak, sr., 2B/OF; Kierra Souphakhot, jr., P/SS; Savannah Jordan, jr., OF; Jadynn Rajda, jr., C/1B; Liliana Santeramo, jr., OF; Emma Surina, soph., P/C/3B; Lilian Thompson, soph., P/SS; Hannah Chesley, fresh., CF/3B; Mariza Zygouri, fresh., RF/SS.
Other key players: Annaleigha Dotson, fresh., 1B/P; Paige Sweitzer, fresh., 2B/OF; Anika Benson, fresh., 1B/P; Ava Zundell, fresh., C/INF,
Season outlook: The Mules return six starters from last year’s team which just fell short of playing for the Division IV state championship. .... “The team will be competitive, expectations are high,” Berry said. ... Souphakhot was named Division IV Pitcher of the Year, and earned a spot on the all-state first-team, striking out 174 batters over 85 innings, and had an ERA of 0.66. ... “I’m encouraged by the effort and positivity of the team,” Berry said “It’s early, but at full potential, I believe this team is positioned for another playoff run.” ... Newmarket will open its 16-game regular-season schedule on Monday, April 8 at Portsmouth Christian Academy.
PORTSMOUTH CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
Coach: Mark McGuire, fifth season.
2023 record: 17-2, beat Mascenic in Division IV state championship.
Key returning players: Kora MacKenzie, eighth grade, SS/P; Eliza Arwood, fresh., C; Lexi Jordan, fresh., P.
Other key players: Kloe MacKenzie, sr., 3B; Marion Spurr, soph., P/1B.
Season outlook: The Eagles won their first Division IV state championship, and McGuire believes his team, despite losing a few key players, can make a run at a third straight championship game appearance. ... “If we play our best error-free ball, I believe we can get back there again,” McGuire said. “We have a great core of players.” .... That great core of players begins with Kora MacKenzie, who McGuire calls “one of the best in the Seacoast.” “She’s an outstanding hitter and a true athlete,” McGuire said. ... Sparr transferred from Dover. ... PCA opens the season with two tough tests with Newmarket (Monday, April 8) and Mascenic (Wednesday, April 10). ... “I think we must be considered as one of the preseason favorites, but I know that Newmarket and Mascenic were tough games last year,” McGuire said.
MAINE
CLASS A
MARSHWOOD/BERWICK
Coach: Peter Eastman, seventh season.
2023 record: 10-6, lost to Cheverus in Class A South preliminary round.
Top returning players: Laurali Shisler, soph., C; Lindsay Bennett, sr., P/OF; Emily Hester, soph., P/OF; Piper Catanese, soph., SS: Lilly Gennero, jr., OF.
Other key players: Erin Lindgren, sr., OF; Kaydence Wilder, sr., IF; Adelle Smaracko, soph., IF: Zoe Carnes, fresh., C/IF; Zoe Noonan, fresh., IF/OF; Frankie McFarlane, fresh., IF/OF; Kiera Keaveny, fresh., IF/OF.
Outlook: The Hawks will be one of the younger teams in Class A South this year, but Eastman is confident with the kids on the team. ... “We should get better every day as the younger players gain experience and confidence,” Eastman said. ... Eastman believes the Hawks can improve on last year’s 10-win season and advance further in the playoffs. ... Catanese was a Class A South all-star last season, batting .481 with 25 hits and 24 RBIs. ... Marshwood opens its regular-season on Thursday, April 18 at Kennebunk before its home opener that Saturday against South Portland.
CLASS B
YORK
Coach: Kevin Giannino, seventh season.
2023 record: 19-1, beat Nokomis in Class B state championship game.
Top returning players: McKayla Kortes, sr., P/SS; Maddigan Fitzgerald, soph. 1B; Emily Estes, sr.. OF; Ava Brent, sr., 2B; Ella Hickey, sr., 3B; Bella Santini, soph., OF; Hannah Cleary, soph., OF; Nya Avery, soph., OF; Lindsay Rivers, jr.. C.
Other key players: Maren Robinson, sr., P/SS; Sarah Orso, fresh., P/3B; Lily Clark, jr., OF; Maia Babcock, soph., OF; Meg Daly, sr., OF; Ella Moores, sr., OF; Harper Dragon, jr. C. Season outlook: The Wildcats, led by Kortes, a two-time Class B South Player of the Year, return many components from last year’s team which captured the program’s first championsihp since winning back-to-back crowns in 1988 and 1989. ... The Wildcats also get two key additions in Robinson, who was at Noble last year, and Orso, a promising freshman. ... “We know there are a number of teams capable of winning it all this season and there are a couple of positions we need to figure out, but with the talent we have returning and the additions of (Robinson) and (Orso) this team has the potential to be special and right back in the championship mix,” Giannino said. ... York opens its regular-season schedule on Thursday, April 11 at home against Yarmouth.
- Capsules compiled by Seacoast Media Group sports editor Jay Pinsonnault
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Seacoast high school softball teams and key players for 2024
