1. Scarborough: The defending Class A state champs lost only three starters, come back with a stronger pitching staff than last year (Mo Hannan, Erin Giles, Alyssa Williamson, Dominique Burnham and Chelsea Damon) and a batting order that can go deep on you or play small ball. If the Red Storm don’t win the title again, it will be a huge upset.

 

2. Thornton Academy: The Trojans also return six starters, including senior pitcher Julia Geaumont, who will attend Bowdoin next year. Transfer Sam Schildroth from McAuley is adept at catcher and adds another big bat to a lineup that includes Chrissy Remmes and the Agger sisters, Meghan and Jordan.

 

3. Fryeburg Academy: The defending Class B state champs should be at the top of the class again. The Raiders can hit with anyone, led by Maddie “The Whammer” Pearson, Carla Tripp, Sarah Harriman and Maggie McConkey. Harriman, a sophomore, struck out 180 batters in 130 innings last year.

 

4. South Portland: Yes, the Riots lost a lot of offense and Miss Maine Softball, Alexis Bogdanovich. Good thing they have junior Erin Bogdanovich back to take over as the No. 1 pitcher. She’s as good as anyone. The defense, led by shortstop Danica Gleason and third baseman Libby Grant, will be steady.

 

5. Greely: If there is a team in Western Class B that can topple Fryeburg, this is it. The Rangers have an outstanding pitcher in Danielle Cimino and a great offense, led by shortstop Caroline Hamilton, third baseman Mykaela Twitchell and center fielder Katie Whittum.

 

6. Oceanside: Georges Valley and Rockland combined to form Oceanside and in the process, a really, really good softball team. Seven starters are back from the Georges Valley team that made it to the Western Class C final, including power hitters Kennadi Grover and Jill Bradbury. Rachel Frye is an ace pitcher.

 

7. Kennebunk: The Rams lost some punch and defense from last year, but still return the state’s best catcher in Janelle Bouchard and a top pitcher in Hannah King. Carinn Burns will play shortstop and also pitch. If the new players in the lineup adjust to varsity play, the Rams will be right there again.

 

8. Massabesic: The Mustangs were going to be pretty good to begin with, then received a nice surprise in transfer pitcher Gabby Townsend from McAuley. She combines with Dani Egan for a great 1-2 pitching punch. This is a team that will play great defense, led by shortstop Emily Schatz, Taylor Bergeron and Regan Adams.

 

9. Freeport: Looking for a darkhorse team in Western Class B? Here it is. Pitcher Leigh Wyman was a first-team Western B pick last year, and her speed and control is better this year. She’ll team with first baseman Lexi Dietrich to form the middle of a strong order.

 

10. Lake Region: Six starters return from last year’s 8-8 team, including pitcher Allison Clark and catcher Emily Bartlett. The Lakers have good athletes at most positions. A big key will be hitting, something the Lakers had trouble doing last year.

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