The MAYSA Hurricanes, a 12-under softball team from the Oakland area, expect to find some competition at the Eastern National Tournament next week in York, Pa.
So far, they’ve had very little in Maine. MAYSA, which stands for Messalonskee Area Youth Softball Association, breezed through the recent state tournament in Fairfield at 6-0, running its season record to 23-0.
“We moved up to 14U last week and came in third out of 19 teams,” Hurricanes manager Bob McLaughlin said. “We’re holding our own. That’s why we’re going out of state to get some competition.”
Of the Hurricanes 23 wins this season, 20 of those have come via the mercy rule. The team hits well and plays good defense, but its greatest asset is pitching. Kristen Pelletier leads a staff of four and gets the call in the big games. McLaughlin said her fastball clocks at 50-51 mph and “she has a killer changeup and a drop ball.
“There’s a lot of strikeouts,” he said.
Lily Webb, Madi Charest and Sierra McLaughlin also pitch, while Taylor Easler, daughter of head coach Alan Easler, is solid behind the plate with a strong throwing arm.
With Pelletier on the mound, Cassie Baker plays third, Charest is at shortstop, McLaughlin at second and Webb at first. Dakota Bragg, Katie Guarino and Kesley Dillon play the outfield while Hannah Duperry and McKenzie Charest round out the team.
The group has been together for four years, McLaughlin said, and won the 10U state championship two years ago. Last season, they competed in the 12U tournament finished runner-up.
The Hurricanes will play in Fairfield this weekend in the Bulldog II tournament which will include teams from Boston and Rhode Island.
“We’re hoping they’re going to give us some competition,” McLaughlin said.
The team is fund raising for its trip and will hold bake sales outside Shaw’s Supermarket in Waterville on Thursday and Saturday. They take private transportation to the 35-team tournament for opening day festivities next Tuesday. Each team is guaranteed at least four games.
Gary Hawkins — 621-5638
ghawkins@centralmaine.com
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