Lady Eagles Have Hope and Holes

By the time the Lady Eagles take the field this season, noticeable changes will have taken place. Multiple players will be getting used to new positions and increased playing time. After losing several players to graduation from last year's squad, the Lady Eagles will be relying upon a healthy blend of youth and experience to carry them through the season. Manager Larry Fuller will be the maestro attempting to orchestrate and organize this team in hopes of avenging a disappointing end from last season. The Lady Eagles held the top seed entering the playoffs a year ago, but were upset in the semi-final round by the Twinfield Trojans.

The offensive firepower of the Lady Eagles is a question mark heading into the year. Junior Paige Marchand swings a big bat, but needs hitters around her to get on base and produce RBI opportunities. If the offense is struggling, it will be up to Fuller to try to manufacture runs in any way possible. Look for the Lady Eagles to play small ball with situational hitting and frequent running.

Defensively, there are holes to be filled, creating intense competition for playing time in the preseason. Hopefully, the healthy competition causes everyone on the team to raise their level of performance. The infield should remain sound, with senior third baseman Danielle Harris and junior second baseman Melinda Jones returning. The shortstop position will see a rotation of players depending on the pitcher in a given game. First base will likely be occupied by junior Nicole Flagg while senior Miranda Havalotti recuperates from knee surgery. Marchand and freshman Annick Marquis will split time behind the plate. Beyond the infield could lie a problem, as the Lady Eagles lost two thirds of their starting outfield from last year. The starting jobs will likely be determined by who performs well in practice.

Kaitlyn Pariseau anchors the pitching staff for Canaan. Pariseau is an experienced pitcher that knows how to eat up innings and keep her team in the game. When not behind the plate, Marquis will tout the rubber. Despite being a freshman, there are high hopes for this hard-throwing right-hander.

This will without a doubt be an interesting year of softball in Canaan. With a strong tradition of excellence, it would come as no surprise if the Lady Eagles blossom into a force in Division IV.