SCARBOROUGH — Pitching, it seems, is never an issue for Scarborough High’s softball team.

And it shouldn’t be again this year with senior Mo Hannan – considered one of the top two or three pitchers in the state — returning, along with seniors Dominque Burnham and Chelsea Damon, junior Erin Giles and sophomore Alyssa Williamson.

“I’ve got more than just one capable pitcher,” said Tom Griffin, coach of the defending Class A state champions.

That’s why for the Red Storm, this opening week of practice for just pitchers and catchers will be more about the catchers, than the pitchers.

Junior Paige Moore-Haskell and sophomore Megan Murrell will look to replace Abby Rutt, who transferred to the New Hampton School after her junior year to play hockey.

“Losing Abby was something we have to deal with,” said Griffin. “I think we have two very good catchers. They just don’t have the experience we’d like at that position. So this week is a chance to work with them and start to build relationships with the (pitchers).

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“That pitcher-catcher relationship is our biggest focus. We need to get that communication down sooner rather than later.”

Hannan, who has accepted a scholarship to Southern New Hampshire University, is confident with both.

“We’ve just got to get to know each other,” she said. “I’m looking forward to working with them and getting on the same page.”

It’s not like the catchers don’t know the pitchers. Murrell catches Hannan and Giles in offseason programs. And Moore-Haskell was on the varsity last year, learning from Rutt.

“I think this is going to be a great week to get to know how each (pitcher) likes to throw their pitches,” said Murrell.

Added Moore-Haskell, “We know each other, we just need to learn how we grew over the winter. We’ve got to learn what pitches they like to throw, what pitches they’re most confident with.”

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Of course, pitching is also a focus this week. And Giles, who was hampered last year as she recovered from a knee injury, is excited about throwing again.

“This is the week I start showing the coach what I’ve been doing all year,” she said. “I know I feel in a much better place than I was last year.”

Staff Writer Mike Lowe can be contacted at 791-6422 or at:

mlowe@pressherald.com

Twitter: MikeLowePPH


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