OAKLAND — The Messalonskee softball team knows a turnaround when it sees one.
In 2022, the Eagles went 5-11 entering the postseason before going on an incredible run, capturing the Class A North championship before falling to Biddeford in the Class A final. Last year, Messalonskee fought off a slow start and finished 13-5, before falling to Skowhegan in the semifinals.
The Eagles started 1-3 this season to get off to a rocky start but has since found their footing, winning eight of its last 10 games. This included a five-game win streak, which was snapped by a 10-5 loss to Edward Little on Wednesday night.
“I feel like it’s been this way for the last three or four seasons,” said Messalonskee head coach Samantha Tunningley. “I think ’22, ’23 and this season have been slow to start. We have the talent, it’s just all about fitting the pieces together and making it work well.”
The Eagles entered the week as the No. 4 seed in Class A North, trailing Skowhegan, Oxford Hills and Camden Hills.
Messalonskee fought through the slow start with a veteran lineup that makes its presence known at the plate. The Eagles are led by senior shortstop and leadoff hitter Elise McDonald, who hit .450 last season. Senior catcher Payton Alexander and junior first baseman Lexi Bayne have also shown the ability to club the ball. Against Edward Little on Wednesday night, Alexander went 2 for 4 at the plate, with a double and an RBI. Bayne went 3 for 4, with a double and an RBI.
“We’ve just kept putting our bat on the ball,” Bayne said. “We’re just keeping our head up. I think that’s all we can do. Just get past the errors and move on to the next play.”
The Eagles graduated top pitcher Morgan Wills — who had a 1.06 ERA and struck out 219 batters — last spring but have countered with strong defensive play. Messalonskee has allowed just under three runs per game in its nine wins this season.
“I think we’ve been a lot tighter in the field,” Tunningley said. “Lately, we’ve been doing a lot of moving around, moving people around. As the season goes, you see what (player) fits into a place a little bit better and they start trusting each other to be in that place. I think we’re in a spot where they’re trusting each other in where they’re playing in each spot.”
Messalonskee will have a chance to strengthen itself before the playoffs, with games scheduled against Mt. Blue and Skowhegan to wrap up the regular season.
“I have six girls who are playing in their third season with me,” Tunningley said. “At some point, they know of level of gameplay (needed). They know me. They know each other. Six is a big bulk of (veterans), and only three are seniors.
“I would like us to stay up for all seven innings (moving forward) and not have any cold innings,” Tunningley continued. “I’m not even thinking having a full seven innings of all bats going, but just for the atmosphere to stay hyped… If we can stay up for all seven (innings), I think we’d be in a much better spot.”
Comments are not available on this story.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
