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Methuen Softball Preview

2007 record: 16-6, lost in Division 1 North second round

Returning starters (6): Sarra Bergeron, Jr., OF/P; Rebecca Guselli, Jr., 2B; Stephanie Chaisson, Sr., OF;  Jessi McCarthy, Sr., SS;  Nicole Mason, Jr., 1B; Paige Fleming, Soph., C

Returning lettermen: Stephanie Lento, Jr., OF; Brittany Valliere, Sr., OF

Promising newcomers: Shana Dunlevy, Jr., P/OF; Bryanna Giorgio, Soph., 3B; Talan Barron, Jr., 3B; Abbey Carbonneau, Jr., INF; Mandi Thornton, Jr., OF; Alyssa Cote, Frosh., OF

Candidates in all grades: 85

Captains: Stephanie Chaisson, Nicole Mason, Jessi McCarthy, Brittany Valliere

Returning leaders: Jessi McCarthy .500; Sarra Bergeron .305

Returning honorees: Jessi McCarthy Eagle-Tribune All-Star; Sarra Bergeron MVC All-Star

Assistants: Martha Tatro, Deb Green; Keith Magnuson, JV; Jillian Middlemiss, Frosh.

Opener: Hosts Everett April 3

Odds and ends: The Rangers graduated four-time Eagle-Tribune All-Star pitcher Hannah Everson. ... Sophomore Paige Fleming, a late-season call-up who shined as designated hitter, takes over at catcher. She worked over the summer with Everson's heir apparent, Sarra Bergeron, and has looked good in the preseason. ... Jessi McCarthy, who transferred from Everett, made an immediate impact last spring, earning Eagle-Tribune All-Star honors. ... Second baseman Rebecca Guselli has hit the ball well in the preseason. ... Freshman Alyssa Cote is the younger sister of Jim Cote, a standout on the Methuen baseball team. ... Speedster Brittany Valliere returns to the team after missing last year. ... The Rangers have won at least 13 games each of the last five years after four straight losing seasons. ... Last year's 16 wins were the most for the Rangers since 1990 (16-4) and 1989 (16-8).

Coach Jason Smith (3rd year, 29-14): "I think we'll surprise some people with our pitching. Sarra Bergeron has been waiting patiently for two years and she gave a glimpse of what she can do last year (complete-game shutout with 12 strikeouts against Notre Dame), and Shana Dunlevy has worked hard and really improved. I think we'll have the luxury of having two good pitchers. I like our team speed and I'm very optimistic about our hitting."