High school sports coverage is proudly supported by Maine State Credit Union. 

1. Nokomis

After winning the Class B championship in 2024, the Warriors returned with an overhauled roster last spring and were a run away from reaching the Class B North semifinals. While several seniors graduated, a strong number of underclassmen with varsity experience return. There’s plenty of talent on the roster, led by senior shortstop/outfielder Raegan King. Junior Hallie Coots can pitch, catch and play anywhere she’s needed. The Warriors should once again be in the playoff hunt.

2. Monmouth Academy

The Mustangs are routinely one of the toughest teams in Class C South and were a run away from reaching the South final last season. Numbers certainly are not a problem for the Mustangs, who carry a roster of 18 players. Of that group, 13 are underclassmen. Talent isn’t a problem, either, as the team returns senior outfielder Riley Smith and sophomore pitcher Evelyn Pettengill. The Mustangs should be in the mix, along with Dirigo and Spruce Mountain, as one of the top teams in the Mountain Valley Conference.

3. Skowhegan

Every year, the River Hawks are almost certain to make an impact in Class A North. With a young roster last season, Skowhegan fell just short of reaching the North semifinals. The River Hawks are still young, with a roster that has just two seniors — infielder Lydia Jones and infielder/outfielder Natalie Cooke. They’re expected to lead the team along with junior pitcher Abi Carey. Pitching and defense should be strong for a team that could make a deep playoff run.

4. Lawrence

The Bulldogs are always a tough out in Class B North under coach Joey Marcoux. Lawrence has a young but talented group of returners, led by Ashley Shores, the reigning Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference Class B Player of the Year, who can pitch, catch and play multiple positions. The Bulldogs have also added Varsity Maine Girls Basketball Player of the Year Maddie Provost to the roster. Provost, a senior, hasn’t played softball since middle school, but her athleticism and speed will be welcome additions. A key to the season will be the development of freshman pitcher Alea Williams, a talented hurler who will need to grow quickly in the circle.

5. Gardiner

With a young roster last season, the Tigers reached the quarterfinals of the Class B North playoffs before falling to Medomak Valley. Only three seniors graduated, and many of the underclassmen on the roster have varsity experience. The Tigers should be strong defensively and in the circle — with returning sophomore infielder/pitcher Molly Takatsu, senior infielder/pitcher Sofia Marrone and senior infielder Brynnlea Chaisson — and should also have speed around the field. The ultimate question is how the bats will produce.

6. Erskine Academy

The Eagles had a strong season a year ago, picking up a win in the Class B South prelim round over Poland before falling to No. 2 Leavitt in the quarterfinals. Erskine has several players returning from that team, including junior pitcher Kelsie Dunn and senior shortstop Lilly Clark. With another year of experience and some talented freshmen joining the roster, a return trip to the playoffs is certainly possible.