WHS softball finishes as Class A South regional runners-up

Windham freshman Addison Leger crushes the ball during
the Class A South regional final softball game against
Biddeford at St. Joseph's College on June 14.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

By Matt Pascarella

Windham held the Tigers scoreless for several innings, but a bunt and pop fly and Biddeford crossed the plate twice. Second-ranked Biddeford inched by No. 1 Windham at St. Joseph’s College on Tuesday, June 14 in the Class A South regional final, 2-0.

Up to this game, the Lady Eagles softball team had won 13 games in a row and advanced a bracket higher than last year. The Lady Eagles ended with a 16-3 record.

“I thought it was going to be a really close game, we went into it loose and ready to play,” said Windham junior Reilly Russell.

Russell said they played well as a team and came together at the end. They fought the entire time and did not give up. Russell said they had an amazing run this season and she’s ready for next season.

This game began as an intense defensive contest. Windham sophomore pitcher Brooke Gerry struck out the first nine Biddeford batters and the two teams went scoreless into the fourth inning.

Windham had a leg up on Biddeford offensively in the first inning when junior Ella Wilcox singled. Sophomore Jaydn Kimball reached first on an error.

From the pitcher’s circle, Gerry viewed this as just another away game, not something to be looked past though. Windham varsity softball Coach Fred Wilcox told the team if they were nervous, it meant they were going to do something exciting. Gerry said they took that into place. Even though the game didn’t go their way, they put-up exceptional energy.

Gerry admitted to going a little too fast, not taking enough time between pitches, and realized she had to slow the game down and take it pitch by pitch.

Gerry said communication went well and they picked each other up.

“This is probably one of the best seasons I’ve ever been a part of,” said Gerry. We battled together and had 13 shut outs in a row. Not many teams go out and do that. The bond that we had was amazing.”

In the top of the fourth inning, Biddeford doubled; then a bunt resulted in a run scored. Biddeford singled. Biddeford pops out to right field; the runner tags up and Biddeford scored again.

Biddeford hit a ground ball and Wilcox and Kimball got the double play at first base and home to end the fourth inning.

With two outs, Biddeford loaded the bases in the sixth inning. A pop up to left field and Windham senior Kelsey Gerry was there and made the catch.

The Lady Eagles gave it their best effort in the seventh inning and made contact with the ball, but did not get on base, except for a walk from freshman Chloe Edwards.

“I felt pretty good coming into today,” said Windham varsity softball coach Fred Wilcox. “I thought our players have been playing really well the last 13 games; they just ran into a buzzsaw. [Biddeford] happened to squeeze out a couple of hits and score a couple of runs.”

Wilcox said they’ll be back strong next year. He said Brooke Gerry threw well. Windham had tight defense; it was just those two plays that equaled runs.

He said it’s good for Windham to see how hard it is to get to this game and what has to be done to get past it. Windham’s progression is unbelievable; everyone contributed, and you couldn’t ask for more than that. <

Windham girls’ lacrosse ends season on high note

Windham varsity sophomore Mallory Muse makes her way
toward the goal during  the Class A North girls' lacrosse
semifinal game at Falmouth High School on June 11.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

By Matt Pascarella

The Windham girls’ lacrosse team ended their regular season with a record of 7-5, falling to Falmouth, 12-7, in the Class A North semifinal on Saturday, June 11 at Falmouth.

The third-ranked Lady Eagles had reached the semifinals by defeating sixth-ranked Lewiston, 17-3, in the Class A North quarterfinal.

Windham put in a solid effort against Falmouth but fell just short of advancing to the Class A North title game.

“Last time we played them in the regular season it was not our best game,” said Windham senior Isabelle Babb. “We knew this time we could show them we could keep up with them.”

Babb said Windham was able to keep their heads up early in the game when Falmouth was a few goals ahead because Windham knew they would score if they took their time.

It was Babb who put Windham on the scoreboard in the first half when she scored back-to-back goals.

Windham increased their defense. Sophomore Mallory Muse scored; then Babb put another between the pipes. At the half, Falmouth led 8-4.

“We knew we had to come out and try our hardest, get every ground ball, little things that we knew we could do,” said Windham junior Ashley Clark.

Clark said Windham wanted to show Falmouth they were a team that would be hard to beat.

And Windham did that in the second half. Clark flipped the ball into the net early in the half. Then Babb scored, then freshman Grace Joly scored assisted by senior Molly Black.

Windham defense blocked a couple shots and slowed down Falmouth’s offense in the second half.

Clark and Babb both agreed they showed Falmouth they weren’t to be underestimated.

“Falmouth is a very, very well-rounded team ... really pleased with our guys and our effort, they really worked hard,” said Windham varsity girls’ lacrosse coach Matt Perkins. “We drastically improved all year long; one thing we love about this program is we get kids who really, really work hard and I’m really pleased with their efforts.”

Windham had had only three returning players this season. They had several new players who had never played before. They had six starters this year who were in just their second season playing.

Perkins said Windham did much better on the draw and cleaned up some things there, which improved their chances during the game. Windham didn’t give up; they’re a tough team.

He said Windham was a great group all season and is pleased with the senior class. Perkins thought they did a great job leading and a really good job pushing everyone to do things right. <

Windham’s Flibbert, Washburn to compete in college soccer

By Matt Pascarella

Windham seniors Wyatt Flibbert and Cole Washburn have both wanted to play collegiate soccer since they started playing soccer at a young age.

Windham graduates Cole Washburn and 
Wyatt Flibbert display their letters of intent
to play college soccer during a ceremony at
Windham High School. Washburn will
attend Thomas College and Flibbert will
attend New England College.
PHOTO BY TIFFANY FLIBBERT

Next fall, Flibbert and Washburn will have achieved their goals of being on collegiate soccer teams. Flibbert will attend New England College and Washburn will attend Thomas College.

They are both all-conference players. Flibbert is an all-state player and Washburn is an SMAA defender.

Windham varsity boys’ soccer coach Ben Schulz said these accolades are just the beginning when it comes to these student athletes.

“Both New England College and Thomas College are getting not just great players, but quality people and student athletes. I’m really excited to see what next year brings,” said Schulz.

Wyatt Flibbert

Flibbert, who plans to major in early childhood education to become an elementary school teacher, started playing soccer when he was four and said it’s been a lot of hard work along the way.

He’s enjoyed playing and it has created many friendships through the years. He’s also had a lot of support from his friends and family.

Flibbert said it felt good to sign his letter of intent. He wasn’t sure if he would make it and be able to play collegiate soccer. After all the hard work he’s put in, it’s nice to have something to show for it.

His advice to underclassmen who want to sign a letter of intent and play collegiately is to keep working. Flibbert said there is a spot for everyone; work hard, keep your grades up and be a good person – you’ll get there.

He would like to thank his brother and sister who have had a big impact on him. His brother helped him get better at soccer; they even played a couple years together in high school. He would also like to thank his mom and his dad who he said are really proud of him.

Cole Washburn

Washburn said he chose Thomas College because it was a good fit, both athletically and academically.

Washburn plans to major in entrepreneurship with a minor in digital media. He would like to do something with sports videography and photography.

Washburn began playing soccer when he was three or four. He played recreational soccer for Windham, then club soccer all the way up to varsity.

It has been a lot of hard work to get to this point, a lot of grinding it out over the preseasons in high school and double sessions.

Since it’s been a dream of Washburn’s to play in college, signing his letter of intent really solidified Washburn playing for a good, competitive Division III program.

To underclassmen who want to sit where he sits Washburn said to work hard, never give up and always have a good attitude about playing, even if you’re not starting. A good attitude is important when it comes to thinking about your future athletic endeavors.

He would like to thank Nick, his coach at New England Fitness and Athletics; he’s helped Washburn train and get a lot better. He’d also like to thank Coach Schulz, all his coaches and club coaches, his parents and sister. <

Big end-of-season wins for Windham Middle School softball, baseball

Windham Middle School eighth-grader Nola Bryant throws
to fist base after stopping a ball from reaching the outfield
during a middle school softball game against Westrbook
at home on June 1. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

By Matt Pascarella

Windham Middle School softball and baseball teams played their final home games of the season on Wednesday, June 1 and Thursday, June 2 against Westbrook and Gorham and posted solid victories in each sport.

WMS softball took command of the game by the third inning and pummeled Westbrook 16-6.

In baseball, Gorham had tied the game before WMS eighth-grader Liam Kalakowsky’s walk with bases loaded in the seventh inning cemented a 3-2 win for Windham.

Softball

Westbrook scored four runs in the first inning. Windham responded when eighth-grader Nola Bryant walked. Then, eight-grader Lacie Higgins bunted for an in-the-park homerun. Eighth-grader Addison Caiazzo and seventh-grader Sarah Smyth singled. Caiazzo scored.

In the third inning, Smyth and seventh-grader Kaylee Napolitano singled. Eighth-grader Ashley Cloutier, Bryant and Higgins each walked. Caiazzo tripled; five runs scored.

Higgins was in the circle and had a couple innings where Windham sent three consecutive batters back to the dugout.

“I think we’ve been working really well as a team together,” said Higgins. “We’ve been really aggressive around the bases, and I have a good defense behind me, so it’s easy for me to ... get in the zone and pitch well.”

Higgins said hitting, swinging at strikes more than usual and defense all went well.

Smyth singled in the sixth inning. So did eighth-grader Chloe Delewski. Bryant singled, Higgins walked, and eighth-grader Oakley McLeod doubled. Windham knocked in another five runs.

“It’s a really good group of kids who are super passionate about softball,” said Windham eighth-grade softball coach Brody Artes. “They are really students of the game. They want to get better and practice, practice, practice – the commitment level is good to see.”

Baseball

In the first inning, after eighth-grader Wyatt Washburn walked, eighth-grader Ethan Clapp singled; Washburn scored.

Kalakowsky tripled, and Clapp scored.

Windham had some nice hits, like a single from seventh-grader Kellen Gardiner in the fourth inning and eighth-grader Ronan Mace’s single in the sixth inning.

Clapp was on the mound for most of the game and had several innings where he and Windham’s defense sent three consecutive batters back to the dugout.

Gorham tied the game at two in the seventh inning.

Windham loaded up the bases in the seventh inning when seventh-grader Caleb Hayman doubled, Washburn was intentionally walked, and Clapp walked.

Kalakowsky’s careful eye at the plate earned him a walk and brought in the winning run.

“I wasn’t really looking to hit it that far I just wanted to put it in play and avoid swinging at bad pitches,” said Kalakowsky. “The second it came out of the pitcher’s hands you could tell it was going to be a ball. I was happy we got the win especially on our last game of the year.”

Windham Middle School baseball coach Adam Manzo said Windham was an enjoyable group to coach and got better all year. He said the games they lost they weren’t throwing strikes and fielding, and both happened during this game. <

Windham varsity softball eliminates Falmouth in playoffs

Windham High sophomore Jaydn Kimball wallops a three-run
homer during a Class A South first-round softball playoff
game against Falmouth on Tuesday, June 7 at Windham High
School. Windham won, 11-0 and now advance in the playoffs.
PHOTO BY JENNY PICKETT 

By Matt Pascarella

In the Class A South first-round playoff game, No. 1 Windham took on No. 16 Falmouth at Windham on Tuesday, June 7 and although the bats were booming for Windham, it was sophomore Jaydn Kimball’s three-run homer in the bottom of the fifth inning that ended the game early and propelled the Lady Eagles to an 11-0 victory.

Windham put runs on the scoreboard every inning but one, with strong defense. Sophomore Brooke Gerry was in the pitcher’s circle and kept Falmouth to a one-hit game. Gerry had 11 strikeouts and zero walks over five innings.

“Falmouth came in last year and beat a tough team, so I didn’t want to look past them; any team in this league can go out and beat anybody on any given day,” said Windham varsity softball coach Fred Wilcox. “We just wanted to come into this game and play the way we’ve been playing for the last 10 games or so.”

Wilcox said Gerry is throwing really well and the team is getting key hits from players up and down the lineup.

Windham got things going when Gerry singled and junior Ella Wilcox doubled. Gerry scored.

Windham freshman Stella Jarvais singled to left field. A sacrifice fly from Kimball and Wilcox scored.

Jarvais said Windham players do a great job of knowing their roles on the team and manufacturing enough runs.

In the second inning, Windham senior Kelsey Gerry hit a ground ball and reached second on an error. This drove in Jarvais who had singled earlier.

Windham junior Hannah Heanssler singled on a pop fly to left field; two runs scored.

In the fourth inning Windham freshman Addison Leger singled to center field; two runs scored.

Windham led 8-0 in the bottom of the fifth inning. Wilcox walked, then Jarvais singled. Kimball homered on a fly ball to center, easily clearing the fence.

“I’ve been struggling recently [at the plate] and I know my team relies on me,” said Kimball. “I went into today thinking about them and playing for them and not myself; being selfless at the plate and getting my pitch.”

Kimball said as a team, they’ve come together so well, even though they had low energy during this game with not a lot of talking on the field or from the dugout. However, that shows what they can do with high energy if they put 11 runs up with low energy. <

Windham girls’ tennis defeats Biddeford in first-round playoff

By Matt Pascarella

The Lady Eagles had played Biddeford early in the Class A tennis playoffs last year and came out on top and this year was no exception as Windham defeated the Tigers 4-1 in the Class A South first-round and will advance to the next round of the playoffs.

Windham sophomore Samantha Bell returns a serve on
Tuesday, May 31 at Windham High against Biddeford in the
Class A South first round playoff match. 
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

After ending the season with an 8-4 record, The No. 5 Windham girls’ tennis team hosted No. 12 Biddeford in a first-round playoff match on Tuesday, May 31.

Windham was focused, quick on their feet and had several nice return serves, both in Lady Eagles’ singles and doubles matches.

In the singles matches, Windham sophomore Alyssa Conley beat her Biddeford opponent 6-1 and 6-1.

Windham junior and co-captain Grace Paiement defeated Biddeford 6-2, 6-1. 

“We were all excited, because playoffs,” said Paiement. “We were hopeful because we played Biddeford last year and we want to get through to ... the next round. I thought I played pretty well; I went in strong and stayed strong.”  

Paiement said they are excited and hopeful to keep going during playoffs.

Windham senior and singles player Lauren DeLuca lost 4-6, 1-6.

In the doubles matches Windham sophomores Samantha Bell and Taylor Juhase grabbed 6-0 and 6-2 wins.

Windham freshman and doubles player Katelyn Cotter said the match was going to be good, no matter the score because of how the girls have played this season.

She said she and her doubles partner, junior Breeauna Bonin, stayed in sync and communicated which had a big effect on the positive outcome of their matches. She’s excited for the rest of playoffs.

Cotter and Bonin won their matches 6-1 and 6-1.

Windham girls’ tennis coach Katy Dresnok said the girls felt confident going in and she’s seen improvement leading up to this point. She said doubles communication went really well as well as learning how to keep the ball away from the net player. In the singles matches they kept the ball in play and had better timing of when to execute the point with the winner.

Windham advanced to compete in the Class A South Tennis Quarterfinals on Thursday, June 2. <

Windham Little League softball secures win over Bonny Eagle

Windham Little League softball seventh-grader Sarah Smyth
is shown before making a throw to first base in a game
against Bonny Eagle at St. Joseph's College on Thursday,
May 26. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

By Matt Pascarella

The Windham Little League softball team was down 5-3 at the end of two innings against Bonny Eagle and in the end, its defense lifted the team to a 16-9 victory on Thursday, May 26 at St. Joseph’s College.

Windham came back to tie the game at five, but after three innings, Bonny Eagle held the lead before Windham seventh-grader Lily Gallagher hit a fly ball to center in the sixth inning and brought in seventh-grader Kiley Card to tie the game at nine.

“We did a really good job cheering on in the dugout,” said Windham seventh-grader Sarah Smyth. “We really wanted that win, and it was a tied game, so we had to play the extra mile.”

Smyth got things going with a single in the first inning. Seventh-grader Jaden Kennedy bunted and advanced to second on an error. Smyth scored.

Windham seventh-grader Ava Cole tripled; Kennedy scored. Sixth-grader Eliana Kostopoulos tripled; Cole scored.

At the end of the third inning, Bonny Eagle led 9-5.

In the fourth inning, Kostopoulos reached first on a ground ball and later stole home. Seventh-grader Evelyn Anderson hit a line drive. Anderson scored on a passed ball.

In the top of the sixth inning, Gallagher doubled on a fly ball to center. This brought in Card and the game is tied at nine.

Gallagher said she was very excited and happy when she drove the tying run in. She knew she had a great team and great coaches that supported her no matter the outcome. She added the team got the win because of their competence level and teamwork.

Cole was in the pitching circle and sent three consecutive batters back to the dugout in the bottom of the sixth inning.

Windham crushed it in the top of the seventh inning. After Windham put two batters on base, sixth-grader Joey Morin scored. Then fifth-grader Layla Pinto scored on a passed ball.

After Smyth popped up for a fielder’s choice, seventh-grader Alexis Pelletier scored. 12-9, Windham.

Kennedy walked. Sixth-grader Kaylee Napolitano bunted; Smyth scored. A ground out and Kennedy scored. Kostopoulos tripled; Napolitano scored. Kostopoulos stole home.

Kostopoulos said the team stayed together when they were down. She added in the final inning they got loud, and the bats came alive.

Windham defense took care of the rest which included Anderson who stopped a runner and got the third out as they tried to steal home.

Windham Little League softball coach Stephen Napolitano said Gallagher’s clutch hit to tie, some key bunts and the girl’s desire to want to compete were all successes during the game.

He said they started the game behind, but never gave up, leading to a win. <