JONI AVERILL COLUMN

With “good players who work hard and are competitive,” Thomas College of Waterville softball coach Dick Meader was not concerned about his team’s 0-2 start after 2-0 and 3-1 losses Thursday to St. Joseph’s College of Standish.

“For the first time out, we played well,” Meader said. Thomas had a home doublehader scheduled with the University of Maine-Farmington on Saturday and has a 3 p.m. doubleheader set for Monday at the University of New England in Biddeford.

Meader is convinced this team will improve on its 2-14 performance of last year.

“We hadn’t been outside,” he said of his team’s start, “and had just a couple of days to work. That’s why I was pleased with the way we played against St. Joseph’s. Athletically, we’re very good,” Meader said. “We just don’t have the hard throwers. If our pitchers throw strikes and make them hit the ball, we’ll do a good job fielding and, against good pitchers, we will get on base. If we throw strikes we’re in business. We’ll be competitive and we couldn’t last year.”

Thomas also hit three strong teams early, which makes the beginning of the season a bit more difficult. However, nearly the entire team is back, and if the pitchers can decrease the number of walks, the Terriers should show considerable improvement.

The top pitcher is sophomore Lanelle Pinkham of Damariscotta, who didn’t see too much time in the circle last year, but is doing well at the present keeping the number of walks down. The No. 2 pitcher is freshman Mary Kay Adams of Weeks Mills, who “did a nice job against St Joseph’s.”

Missy Goocher, a junior from Augusta, hits the ball well and will play second base most of the time. Wtih a triple against St. Joseph, she is one of the team’s leading hitters.

Sophomore shortstop Julie Fabian, one of Thomas’ top athletes, is a good fielder with a storng arm and great range. She doubled off St. Joe’s ace, Holly Stevens.

Verteran Abby McCarthy of Madison is the only senior on the team and will play the outfield. She can, however, play any position and is a good hitter with speed.

Junior Martha Hopkins of Rumford, who hit .316 last season, is the left fielder. Sophomore Becky Hapgood of Vassalboro returns behind the plate. Hapgood is a good defensive catcher and throws the ball well, besides and being a decent hitter with speed.

Kristin Nielsen, a junior from Clinton, is a fundamentally sound player who gets on base a lot. Generally regarded as a right fielder, she can also play second or third.

The newcomers include Winslow freshman Heather Conary. Quick defensively and offensively, she is an excellent bunter who will play third base.

Freshman Missy Austin, who played for defending Eastern Maine Maine Class B champion Messalonskee of Oakland, will divide time at first base and as the designated hitter with Kathy Hogan of Jay. Both are good fielders and hitters, Meader said.

Deana Webb, New Gloucester, is a good fielder who will see time in the infield, and Lory Stevens of North Anson will catch and play outfield.

Completing the Thomas roster are sphomores Tina Boudreau of Greenvile and Kim Hunt of Fairfield, Vt., and freshman Beth Cyr of Saco.

Thomas Schedule: April at UNE (2) 3 p.m.; 19 at Colby, 3:30 p.m.; 21 UMPI (2) noon; 23 Bowdoin, 3:30 p.m.; 26 Bates, 3:30 p.m; 30 Husson (2) 2 p.m.