Featuring a mix of experienced returners and talented newcomers, the 2009 Husson University Eagles look to continue their growth as a team and make their first regional appearance. The Eagles return eight, including six starters, in addition to adding 7 newcomers. Although the Eagles are youthful - 13 of the 15 players on the roster are either freshman or sophomores - head coach Amanda Davey likes the makeup of the team.

The Eagles are young this year, but that is not a disadvantage because the lineup is deeper and the quality of the incoming class is high. After losing key players from last season's lineup, all seven newcomers could play key roles in the lineup. "We have a lot of young players that we will be counting on to produce in their first season with us," said Davey. "We will also be counting on our returning players to provide them with some leadership and take some of the pressure off our newcomers.

"We are in the process of identifying who's going to produce offensively and defensively.  Our lineup is going to vary in a number of spots this year and our best starting lineup is going take some time to identify. We have upperclassmen and younger players that are eager and hungry for their chance to shine." 

Pitchers

The Eagles return two pitchers this season; sophomores Caitlin LeBorgne (Scarborough, ME) and Nicole Sargent (Sullivan, ME) who will be looked upon to anchor the staff. Joining them to help out with some pitching duties is a newcomer to the circle, sophomore Megan Richard (Wilton, ME).

LeBorgne threw 96 innings last season for the Eagles and registered 52 strikeouts. "The nice thing is that LeBorgne is a sophomore now and she is ready to blossom. She's gotten some innings under her belt, but now she's really ready to contribute more significantly. She's put in a lot of hard work during the off season and I am excited to see how she will perform this year." LeBorgne could also see time at shortstop.

Although Sargent pitched just 23 innings as a freshman, the Eagles will need her to step up as a starter. "Sargent didn't get to pitch in a lot of games last year because she wasn't ready. This season is different. She is mentally ready to pitch at this level now and she wants every game. We hope to get consistency out of her to help our pitching staff."

Richard brings a fresh arm to the rotation this season. She did not pitch any innings for the Eagles last season but has worked hard during the offseason to improve and shows a lot of promise. Richard has demonstrated that she clearly has the skills and ability to succeed at the collegiate level as a pitcher.

Catchers

Eagle's fans will see a new face flashing signs behind the plate this season. Replacing four year starting catcher Shawna Bell, is freshman Rachael Siegfriedt (China, ME). Siegfriedt is a great defensive catcher and is like a wall behind the plate. She has worked very hard in the weight room and during the offseason to get stronger and we are expecting big things from her this year. Siegfriedt will be backed up behind the plate by freshman Kristen Sousa (Detroit, ME) and Sarah Risser (Brewer, ME).

Infield

Cassie Berry (Darmiscotta, ME), is the Eagles top returning infielder. Berry is a two-year starter at second base who has led the Eagles in numerous offensive categories over the past two seasons.  In 2008, Berry registered 10 doubles, 29 RBI's and 5 stolen bases. She led the team with a .440 batting average, along with hits (62), total bases (80), runs scored (34) and on base percentage (.470).  Berry finished the season with a (.941) fielding percentage. "Berry is our most experienced player as far as time on the field," said Davey. She will be a big part of our offense this season, as we look to her to continue to produce in the top of the lineup. 

Backing up Berry at second base is freshman Brianna Webster (Belfast, ME). Webster is a natural athlete who has made the transition over to second base from shortstop, where she started in high school.  Webster will also be competing for time in the outfield this season.

Joining Berry up the middle of the infield will be sophomore transfer Diann Ramsey (Otisfield, ME). Ramsey joined the Eagles this season after playing her freshman season at Pine Manor College, MA where she started for the Raiders at shortstop.  Ramsey brings a great glove and leadership to the young Eagles squad. She will be looked on to solidify the Eagles defense in the infield.

Rounding out the infield at the corners will be sophomore Richard at first base and freshman Rachel Voicechovski (Jefferson, NJ) at third. "Voicechovski is definitely talented, it is just a matter of putting it together at game time," Davey said. "I am really banking on her bringing what we have seen in practice out to the games consistently."

Last season Richard served as the Designated Player for the Eagles, finishing the season strong with a .360 batting average. She also posted a .523 slugging percentage and a .433 on-base percentage.  Richard will also see time on the mound in 2009 to help alleviate some of the pitching duties.

Freshman Jaimee Knowles (Brewer, ME) will share time at first base as well as see time at the designated player position. Knowles hits the ball hard and consistently. She will be looked on to contribute in the middle of the lineup.

Outfield

The green and gold outfield is very solid with potentially 4 or 5 players capable of starting. We have defensive depth which will allow us to put a lineup together based on our offensive needs for a particular opponent.

The outfield is led by sophomores Dottie Cameron (South Plainfield, NJ) in left and Megan Bradstreet (Warren, ME) in center. Cameron will make the transition over to left field this season, after starting 40 games in right field in 2008. The Eagles will look to Cameron to cover a lot of ground in the outfield as well as continue to provide a solid bat on offense. Last season Cameron led the Eagles in stolen bases with 9 and posted a .366 batting average with 52 hits.

Backing up Cameron in left will be sophomore Jamie Milton (Howland, ME) and senior Michelle Varney (Houlton, ME). Milton has worked this winter to improve her skills as an outfielder and could see time in right field as well. Varney is recovering from knee injury during preseason and we hope to see her back in the last half of the season.

Bradstreet didn’t get as much playing time as anticipated last season, but has really grown in the last year-and-a-half in terms of her confidence and understanding of how she fits in on this team. She offers an outstanding presence in the outfield and will be looked upon to lead the way in center. She has an incredible arm and gets a good jump on the ball in the outfield. She will also see time in the infield this season at third base. Offensively, Bradstreet is a talented lefty hitter who can play the short game just as well as she can hit for power.

The right side of the outfield has several newcomers battling hard for the spot. Sarah Risser (Brewer, ME), has shown a lot in terms of her strength, heart and versatility. Offensively, she can hit the ball hard as well as play an effective short game. Sousa and Webster will be competing for time both in right field and on the base paths as speedy pinch runners. “Both Sousa and Webster are very versatile players that have the ability to play many positions defensively along with contributing on the offensive end. They are willing to do whatever it takes to make our team better."

The Eagles season gets underway on March 5th when they head south to the Rebel Games Tournament in Orlando, Florida. They kick off the season against Ferrum College, VA.