SOFTBALL

Head Coach: Mackenzie Buzzell

Assistant Coaches: Rick Buzzell and Jacki Buzzell

Roster: Seniors Ana Maillett (catcher), Maya Mahan (third base), Emma Keaten (outfield), Emily Chaine (second base, outfield), Jilyan Byrne (first base, outfield); juniors Sarah Shackford (pitcher), Delaney Forrest (first base), Kialana Adams (outfield); sophomores Carlin Galligan (outfield), Sharis Santos (third base), Burke Callen (first base, outfield); freshman Azalea Grant (shortstop).

Strength of Team: Coach Buzzell — I think the strength of our team is our work ethic, attitude and leadership early on in the season. This team has really done a great job buying into our team philosophy and we are attacking every practice looking to get better each day. We have a lot of leadership on this team and I think they have done a great job of setting an example of what our approach should be every day and they are doing a great job helping our young program. 

Areas needing Work: We have a lot of people playing new positions so we are still trying to work through those lumps and develop some confidence in our ability to play those positions.

Emphasis during Preseason: Our emphasis has been on our team-first mindset and making sure we are staying together and supporting one another when we take our lumps early on in the season. We have made quick progress already this season and I think if we can learn and grow from some mistakes that are bound to happen early on in the season and keep striding forward instead of letting it set us back then I think we will compete with teams. 

What do you look forward to seeing this season: I really have enjoyed the energy that this group brings. They do a great job of keeping practices upbeat and enjoyable. I am looking forward to seeing what our make-up is at the end of the season because I think this group has a lot of potential to make huge strides during the season so I’m excited to watch them grow.

Games: The Raiders travel to Wells on Friday for a 4 p.m. game and Greely on Monday, April 22 at 4 p.m. FA hosts York on Friday, April 26 at 4 p.m.

BASEBALL  

Head Coach: Greg Allain

Assistant Coaches: Stew Frost, Colin Micklon, Jim Hidden

Roster: Seniors Ethan Lord (pitcher, outfield), Jordan Dutton (first base), Alexis Castillo (third base), David Kim (pitcher), Tom Kim (pitcher); juniors Jagger Helwig (pitcher, outfield), Michael Malia (injured), Sam Day (second base, outfield); sophomores Alex Allain (pitcher, shortstop), Noah Day (outfield), Jacob Eveleth (catcher), Brady Chappell (injured); freshmen Oliver Allocco (pitcher, outfield), Conner Keaten (second base).

Strengths of the Team: Coach Allain — Pitching and defense will keep us in many games. We have a good amount of pitchers that command the zone and should be very strong defensively.

Areas needing Work: Graduating six seniors last year, the biggest need is experience. We have a lot of first-year varsity players that will fill key voids.

What has been your emphasis in preseason? Playing the game the right way. Knowing where to be on the field and thinking ahead rather than reacting to a situation that you’re not expecting. Players have done a great job and the team is certainly improving.

List three main goals, and what will it take to achieve them? Make the playoffs: work on improving every day and competing. Develop team chemistry: leaders leading the team to the common goal. Minimize mistakes: develop good habits and learning to work through adversity.

Finally, what do you look forward to seeing this season? Watching the new varsity players improve and achieve success, and the veteran players lead by example.

Home Game: After road games at Gray-NG, Wells (on Friday) and Greely (Monday, 4 p.m.), the Raiders host York on Friday, April 26 at 4 p.m.

GIRLS’ LACROSSE

Head Coach: Mackenzie Krol

Assistant Coach: Wendy Badger

Roster: Seniors Eliya Deri (midfield), Gabby Jacobs (attack), Grace Porcaro (midfield), Ashe Rabideau (defense); juniors Phoebe Sartory (midfield), Grace Audette (attack), Mia Astrauskas (attack), Catie Nippins (defense), Kylie Prouty Allen (goalie); sophomores Eden True (midfield), Isabel Brito (midfield), Ella Dean (midfield), Megan Clement (attack), Haley Spofford (midfield), Clara Yager (defense), Elise Dunn (midfield), Sophia Brown (attack), Aspen Hazlewood (defense), Vivian Waldie (midfield), Savanna Covert (attack); freshmen Brailey Sands (attack), Brennan Slosberg (goalie), Jackeline Guzman-Gonzales (defense).

Strengths of the Team: Coach Krol — The team has really come together with more seasoned players mentoring and guiding those new to the sport. Our field play is smarter and more deliberate than last season and each player's individual skill has improved in regards to stick work, conditioning and seeing the field. 

Areas needing Work: We are working on our strategic play and responding to our opponent’s play. Each game is an opportunity to set the tone for good, clean, pretty lacrosse. 

What has been your emphasis in preseason? The team has been working on building connections — both in regards to passing and ball movement and team camaraderie. 

List three main goals, and what will it take to achieve them? Excellent team communication, high level of competition, and resilient player mindsets. Each day takes work and is an opportunity for progress. 

Finally, what do you look forward to seeing this season? As a coach, I’m looking forward to watching the team coalesce and build on last year. As a lover of lacrosse, I’m looking forward to each athlete being able to execute the type of game they want to bring to the field. 

Preseason Scrimmage versus Bonny Eagle: The Raiders prevailed against the Scots 11-1 with multiple goals by captain Phoebe Sartory, junior Mia Astrauskus, sophomores Eden True and Megan Clement, and one each for captain Grace Porcaro, Vivian Waldie and freshman Brailey Sands. Clara Yager and Aspen Hazelwood caused essential turnovers on defense. Kylie Prouty-Allen had an impressive 17 saves in net. 

Home Game: Thursday, April 25, against Wells at 4 p.m.

GIRLS’ TENNIS

Head Coach: Ed Barosky

Roster: Seniors Lavinia Ruggeri, Natalia Millan Arenas, Margherita Lassini, Kardelen Lacinok, Virginia Cuturil; sophomores Aitana Garcia Lorzano, Abigal Lain, Sofia Ramirez Montano, Isabella Tovar Zuniga; freshman Maeve Charles.

Strengths of the Team: Coach Barosky — The strengths of the FA’s girls’ varsity tennis team are the ones that come to the forefront of their game. The team demonstrates this when things are not going well and they show that they want to improve their game. We continuously work on our strengths and need to make sure we are developing holistically in all areas of the game.

Areas needing Work: We continue to make sure to work on all the areas from technical, tactical, physical, psychological and nutrition which will develop a future, awesome tennis player. We recognize each player is an athlete, and the team is coached to keep improving and enjoying the game of tennis.

What has been your emphasis in preseason? At FA, we focus on strengths, weaknesses and teamwork. Part of the preseason is also making sure the team works closely together and demonstrates promise for a strong team.

List three main goals, and what will it take to achieve them: 1. Working together as a team. That means respect for each team member and encouraging each team member; 2. Passion for tennis. We achieve this by playing as much as possible; 3. Having fun. This leads to winning matches.

Finally, what do you look forward to seeing this season? It is a privilege to coach these athletes. I am looking forward to watching the team come together to learn, play good tennis and hopefully win lots of matches. In addition, I watch my team very closely to see their smiles and enjoyment of the game, which will take them very far in their lives.

Home Match: Wednesday, April 24, against Hebron Academy at 3 p.m., Howe Street.

TRACK & FIELD

Head Coach: Trevor Hope

Assistant Coaches: Corinn Hope, Kevin McDonald

Boys’ Roster: Seniors Ben Allocco (javelin, discus, shot put), Arthur Baptista (long jump, triple jump, high jump, 4X400 relay), Giulio Beltrami (400, 200), Zack Emery (110 hurdles, 300 hurdles, 4X400 relay), Sam Johnson (discus, shot put), Tommy Luong (400, 800, 4X400 relay), Livne Tavor-Grinberg (100, 200, 4X100 relay), Logan Walton (100, 200, 4X100 relay); juniors Freddie Francis (100, 200, 4X100 relay), Malik Sow (shot, 100, 200), Luke Staires (javelin, discus, 800, mile), Haruki Takagi (100, 200, 4X100 relay), Daniel Ruiz (100, 200), Sam Walton (100, 200, javelin, discus); freshmen Matthew Bariteau (100, 200, 400), Matthew Mitchell (high jump, long jump, 100, 200), Kai Cannon-Steele.

Girls’ Roster: Seniors Isabel Macht (200, 400, high jump, 4X400 relay), Aleigha Monroe (100, 200), Barbara Stumpf-Artero (200, 400, mile); juniors Enna Carbone (200, 400, 4X400 relay), Bri’Anna Evans (100, 200), Lily Hicks (javelin, 200, 400, 4X400 relay), Maribel Knowles (400, 800, mile, 4X400 relay), Hazel Lewis (javelin, 100, 200), Krista Mercier (100, 200, discus, javelin), Jocelyn Roy (100, 200, javelin), Anna (Anya) Stasiuk (100, 200), Cara (Sia) Yoo (100 hurdles, 200), Jisso Lee (100, 200); sophomores Katy-Anne Clarke (high jump, 400), Maeve (Wasp) Harlow (100, 200), Kate Owens (200, 400, 4X400 relay), Ren Meldrum; freshmen Sofie Bondarev (high jump, 100, 200), Trixie Lougee (800, mile), Molly Shore (100, 200, javelin), Avery Bariteau (100, 200, 4X100 relay), Anjali McDonnell (100, 200, long jump).

Strengths of the Team: Coach Hope — Our team is a bit larger than teams we have had in the past and there is some strength in numbers. We have some talented new runners and some very gifted returning athletes. I think there is more depth in this group and if everyone can find the event that fits them best it will be a very competitive team.

Areas needing Work: The team needs to spread out to other events a bit. We have a lot of sprinters, which is a good place to start, but hopefully they will branch out to more field events, hurdles and distance running. The team still needs to be more unified and pursue goals together. Many of the athletes have not competed at a track meet yet so hopefully once the competitions start some of those things will fall in place.

What has been your emphasis in preseason? General conditioning and skill have been the basic training of the preseason. We’ve talked a lot about how the effort at the start of the season determines the outcome at the end of the season. We don’t want any regrets or wishing we had taken our training more seriously from the beginning.

List three main goals, and what will it take to achieve them? 1. Having a unified team: Competing and learning an event is good fun on its own, but what makes it special is doing it with a group of friends and mentors who care about each other and what they are doing. Taking the time for events outside of training and promoting an atmosphere that is goal oriented but also fun is important;

2. Good Sportsmanship: We expect the team have good sportsmanship and represent themselves and their community well as they travel to compete at different locations. It needs to be a goal as we can win a lot of medals and get competitive recognition, but without good character (sportsmanship), the importance of those accolades are greatly diminished. We’ve talked a lot about respecting the sport and each other. Hopefully starting that attitude inside the team and permeating to how we compete at other schools;

3. Diversify Events: One goal it to get our athletes to spread out to more field events and hurdles. It takes some individual motivation, but also coaching to make sure athletes understand and feel competent while competing in the many different events that are offered in track and field. Being involved in all the different events is a great atmosphere for the team. Each athlete is a representative of their school and team to the event they compete in. Generally, the more events you are involved in, the better for overall team scores as well.

Finally, what do you look forward to seeing this season? I’m very much looking forward to seeing some of our new athletes compete for the first time. There is a lot of talent there and I’m so excited to see where it will go.
There are also several senior athletes I have had the opportunity to work with throughout their four years of track and field and it will be an honor to see them complete their last season. I think they will do very well and to the best of their ability.

I see the potential of some school records dropping this season. It is always excited to see school history being made and the program moving forward!

Next Meet: The Raiders travel to Cape Elizabeth on Friday, April 26 for a 3:30 p.m. meet.

UNIFIED BOCCE

Head Coach: Kathy Dunham

Strengths of the Team: Coach Dunham — I anticipate many of our Unified players to return to bocce this year. The team members have a great bond and support each other on and off of the court.

Areas needing Work: Half of our players are new to the sport. We have to develop strength, eye-hand precision and understanding of strategies.

List three main goals, and what will it take to achieve them? The team will practice together to determine which players make the best partners. They will practice accuracy in throwing the bocce balls and how to block opponents’ shots.

Finally, what do you look forward to seeing this season? I look forward to watching the athletes improve their athletic abilities and developing social skills with teammates and opponents.

Editor’s Note: Some coaches were unavailable to file previews for this edition. The News will publish additional reports next week, as they become available.