MA Lynx look to take more of a leading role this year

After winning nine games and reaching the Eastern Maine Class B quarterfinals last spring, the Mattanawcook Academy softball team is poised to take the next step.

The Lynx of Lincoln have a solid corps of returning veterans to make a deep postseason run this season, along with eight newcomers who coach Dean Libbey hope can make an immediate impact.

“Everything looks pretty good so far, the girls are working hard,” said Libbey. “I’ve already seen great improvements.”

One of those newcomers is Taylor Trask, a freshman who will split time in the pitching circle with senior ace Deni Nicastro, who was a workhorse for MA last season.

With that being the case, Nicastro won’t be counted on to carry the entire load and should have a fresher arm for the stretch part of the season.

“That’s going to be a great luxury this year,” said Libbey. “Taylor throws the ball very well for a freshman.”

With the proven starter in Nicastro, who won nine games last season, mixing with the promising youngster in Trask, who Libbey said has dedicated a lot of time to attending pitching clinics over the years, the Lynx could potentially have one of the top one-two punches around.

“Between the two of them, that’ll be a very strong point for us this year,” Libbey said.

The Lynx have solid veteran leadership in the infield in first baseman and cleanup hitter Kristy Burleigh, sisters Brianna (shortstop) and Brooke Hanscom (catcher), along with Melissa West at second base and outfielders Vinni Nesin and Renee Libbey.

One aspect of the game Libbey hopes they can improve on this year is run production, as the Lynx struggled to score runs at times last year.

“We’re trying to work a little bit harder on hitting, that seems to be a weak spot for us. That’s improving, too,” said Libbey.

With a potentially strong pitching staff, scoring could be a contributing factor in how deep Mattanawcook goes into the postseason this spring.

With an athletic group at his disposal, Libbey hopes the Lynx can be aggressive on the basepaths and attempt to manufacture runs as best they can.

“We are going to try to do a variety of things,” he said. “We always like to mix it up a little bit.”

The Lynx will be one of many teams jockeying for position in an always competitive Class B, with reigning Eastern Maine champ Winslow and perennial power Bucksport looking to be in the mix – along with Old Town, Gardiner and Erskine of South China, who moved down from the Class A ranks.

“There’s no question Class B is very tough. We’re not looking by anybody,” Libbey said.

While Libbey knows some pieces of MA’s puzzle have yet to come together, he doesn’t doubt the Lynx are confident they can play and compete with anybody.

“I think they’re ready to take it one step further this year,” he said.

Along with most of their counterparts, Mattanawcook is confined to practicing in their school gym until their fields can dry, which can be a be a nuisance.

“We’re in that gym with 27 girls, it’s a little dangerous too,” said Libbey. “We hope it rains in the next week.”

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