BREWER — Both Hermon and Wells were No. 3 seeds that beat an undefeated team to reach the state game. On paper it looked like these teams matched up fairly. But the game isn’t played on paper, and on Saturday Hermon was in complete control as the Hawks looked like a one seed. Hermon beat Wells 6-0 to win the Class B softball title at Brewer High School. The victory is Hermon’s second state championship in five years.

Hermon was led by left-hander Karli Theberge, who only allowed six hits on the afternoon. She also walked three batters and recorded two strikeouts. Theberge has been a key part in Hermon’s run because of her ability to mix pitches.

“Her confidence really sets her apart from any other pitcher in this league,” said Hermon head coach Megan McCrum of Theberge. “She did awesome all year.”

Theberge also did some damage at the plate, as she hit a double and scored a run.

Defense and depth were two big keys in the Hawks win as well. They made no errors in the field and made big play after big play, as the Warriors stranded nine runners.

“In clutch situations we left a lot of runners on,” said Wells head coach Kevin Fox, “and that was the difference.”

A few key defensive plays played a big part in the outcome. In the fifth inning, Lauren Bame hit a foul ball but Hermon first baseman Sydney Addessi made a difficult catch behind her head to strand two runners. Another took place in the sixth when center fielder Katie Kivler made a diving catch to rob Meghan Young of extra bases.

“It’s deflating,” said Fox. “When you do what you’re supposed to do and don’t get the outcomes, it beats up on you.”

Depth also proved to be an advantage for the Hawks. Courtesy runner Deanna Phipps scored two runs, including the first run that set the tone for the game. Phipps ran for catcher Shaniah Haskell, who led the team with three hits.

In the second inning, Phipps advanced from first to third on a wild pitch. Eventually she scored on another wild pitch, thanks in part to a nice slide to avoid the tag. In the fourth, Phipps got caught in a rundown between first and second, which allowed Theberge to score a run, and Phipps advanced on the play as well.

“All season it has been 1-through-14 contributing to this team and today was no different,” said McCrum.

Wells, playing in its first state game, got a good performance from right fielder Christina LeBlanc, who had two of the team’s six hits. Leblanc is also one of nine Warriors seniors.

“Most of them started as sophomores and have worked their butt off to get to this point,” said Fox of his seniors. “It’s sad to see them come up short, but they’re great kids.”

Hermon only loses two players to graduation, as the Hawks finish the year with an 18-2 record. Wells ends its historic season 16-4.

— Isaac Luken is a student at the New England School of Communications in Bangor, majoring in Sports Journalism. He can be contacted at sports@journaltribune.com

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