Optimism high as Witches start spring practice

BREWER – It’s a shame that on such a fine, warm spring day, the state’s baseball and softball teams had to open the 2005 season indoors.

That’s what was going on at Brewer High Monday afternoon as the defending Eastern Maine Class A champion softball team gathered in the high school gym for its first practice of the season.

It’s the day the Witches have been waiting for, since at least the 2004 spring sports banquet last June 18.

“We’re just happy to be back at it. We’ve been ready,” coach Kelly Cookson said. “When I saw the girls all fall and winter they always asked me, ‘How many days?’ We’re just happy to start out.”

Each baseball and softball team was allowed to bring in a combination of 10 pitchers and catchers Monday. Full practices for baseball, softball, tennis, outdoor track and field, and lacrosse will all start next Monday.

The season opens for competition after 3 p.m. on Friday, April 15. The Witches start Tuesday, April 26, with a home game against Hampden.

Before the opener, Brewer will head all over the state for scrimmages and preseason tournaments against teams like Massabesic of Waterboro, Portland, Scarborough, South Portland, St. Dominic of Auburn, and Lewiston High. The Witches will also host Skowhegan, Thornton Academy of Saco, Maranacook of Readfield, Bucksport and Hampden in an April 23 tournament.

Brewer lost to Portland 8-4 in the 2004 state final.

The brutal exhibition schedule is designed to give the Witches a taste of tough competition early.

“I like it,” pitcher Jordan McLain said of the preseason schedule. “It gives us a chance to work out the bugs and kinks before the season actually starts.”

The Witches go into the season with a lot of confidence. That’s because Brewer returns all but three starters. And the team has two of the top pitchers in the region, a deep batting lineup, and an experienced defense.

Cookson had seven pitchers, including standouts McLain and Sarah DeFilipp, and three catchers, including last year’s starter Crystal Bennoch and backup catcher-third baseman Christine Thoms, in the Brewer gym Monday.

Both McLain and DeFilipp worked Sundays with private pitching coaches trying to hone their current pitches rather than introducing new ones.

“I got a fair amount of throwing in,” McLain said. “I just tried to perfect things. I had learned a couple of new pitches during the season last year so I just worked on making sure they do what they’re supposed to do.”

Both girls have a lot of confidence in the defense behind them, which is so important for successful softball.

Kate Hanlon will return at first base with Katie Quimby at second and Thoms at third. Jessica O’Connell, who has been the junior varsity shortstop for the past two years, will compete for the starting shortstop job that was occupied by the graduated Amy Freeman. DeFilipp could also play some shortstop when she’s not pitching.

Bennoch, who caught most of the season but didn’t hit, will likely be in the batting lineup this season.

“We’ve been playing with each other for a long time, so it’s kind of nice to have that security,” DeFilipp said.

In the outfield, Anna Corey will again be the anchor in center field with McLain and DeFilipp alternating in right depending on who’s pitching. Becca York will take over in left for the graduated Vanessa Michaud. Designated hitter Kim Foster also graduated.

Freeman was the leadoff hitter last year, but batters 2-5 in last year’s order are all back.

“We’re in good shape,” Cookson said. “The best thing about that is that you don’t have to spend an awful lot of time teaching, teaching, teaching. With that many veterans back you can review and just practice.”