Hard work is not a foreign characteristic to the Lady Viking softball team of Oxford Hills this season. Being the #4 seeded team in Eastern Maine Class A, this talented group of girls have really set the bar high for themselves this year.After losing in the second round of playoffs last year, the team is aiming for a very successful post-season.The team had a strong regular season with winning 12 out of their 16 games; a record that was an improvement compared to years prior.Although the Lady Vikings had only played the #1 seeded Cony team once this season and had lost to them, they forced the game into extra innings and gave them a run for their money.In the first round of Eastern Maine Class A playoffs this year, the Vikings are taking on the #5 seeded team, Messalonskee. In the regular season, Oxford Hills had split with Messalonskee, winning one game against them and losing the other.When questioned on what her prediction for the outcome of the playoff tournament is, Coach Goddard responded, “It really depends on how we play in the moment. We will travel far in the tournament if the girls work hard and play as a team.”The team has been succeeded this year offensively by Shannon Fillebrown, Myriah Lausier, and Anna Winslow, who each possess a batting average of over .450.Senior Crystal West has kept the team strong on defense with her solid pitching skills, along with Annika Kahkonen, the team’s valued catcher that is always active behind the home plate.Coach Goddard believes that it is the team’s experience that sets them apart from their opponents, stating, “A lot of these girls have been playing softball since they could walk, and I easily see their passion for the game every time they on the field. I’m looking forward to seeing these girls put their hard work to use in the playoffs.”Come support the Lady Vikings as they take on the Messalonskee Eagles on Thursday, June 9th at 4:00 pm at the Gouin complex.
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