For Maidens softball, it's a whole new ballgame

RONAN — What's new with the Ronan Maidens softball team? Nearly everything.

With two new coaches, eight new players and new outfits, one would assume that the Maidens are starting from scratch, which is fine with head coach Doug Fisher.

"Out with the old, in with the new," said Fisher who is in the process of "rebuilding" the Maidens. "We're approaching this like a brand new project. We're moving in a new direction."

Though "new" seems to be the Maidens' theme for the season, Fisher isn't exactly new to the game. He has nearly 20 years experience with the game and assistant coach Heather Holmlund has eight years coaching experience in addition to playing college softball.

Fisher will admit to revamping the team, however, he is also relying on returning talent Kayla Couture who'll play pitcher, first and third base.

Fisher describes Couture "as well coached over the years" with a good arm.

"Couture has control," he said.

Also back is former Maiden basketball player Bridget Taylor at second base.

"She's a super hustler," Fisher said. "She brings the same kind of tenacity she uses in basketball."

Another one making the crossover from basketball is Lauryn Lynch who, according to Fisher, has ambidextrous capabilities. She plays basketball left-handed and throws right-handed. She'll start as a shortstop.

Fisher also has hopes for seniors Charlee Cordier and Elizabeth Krantz.

Fisher applies a lot of what he does as a behavioral specialist in the Ronan School system to coaching baseball. He uses the philosophy of positive reinforcement to motivate his players to perform their best.

Fisher summed up his coaching viewpoint by quoting his father (a former coach) saying, "I'd rather get beat with kids who have character than kids without character."

Freshmen make up nearly half the team, but that doesn't seem to be a concern. Fisher has seen a lot of potential from them — that and many of them played with each other in summer leagues.

"They're here wanting to learn," Couture said of the freshmen.

Freshman Kirsten Cordier will tell you the same thing. She said that they did well during tournaments and that she is hoping for a lot of wins this season.

Last season the Maidens were 7-17 overall. Players lost to graduation were T.J. McNair at second base and Karen Lozeau who played third and left.

Their first game is away against Mission, Friday, April 1, at 3 p.m. followed by a home game against Polson, Saturday, April 2 at noon.