The Cheverus Stags have displayed remarkable progress in their opening games of the softball season, living up to expectations of joining the elite teams in Class A. Addison DeRoche, a freshman standout, has been a revelation on the mound, striking out 14 batters in a dominant five-inning performance against Kennebunk. Hailey Lamontagne, a returning star from last year’s team, has continued to shine, scoring twice and driving in a pair of runs to lead a balanced Cheverus offense.
The Stags’ impressive start has seen them outscore opponents 41-0 in just three games. These victories include commanding wins over a strong Scarborough program and now Kennebunk, which boasts one of Maine’s best pitchers in Julia Pike.
Coach John Eisenhart credits the team’s success to their unity and enjoyment of playing together, emphasizing that they are driven by internal motivation rather than external expectations. Despite bringing back a strong core of players from last year’s team, the Stags remain grounded and focused on their individual goals.
DeRoche, who has garnered national attention on the travel stage, echoed Eisenhart’s sentiments, stating that the team supports each other and that their individual goals align with their team aspirations.
Cheverus wasted no time in establishing their dominance against Kennebunk, scoring three runs in both the first and second innings. Lamontagne’s double and Ashley Connor’s RBI hit in the first were followed by Kelsey Cassidy’s triple and Lamontagne’s sacrifice fly in the second.
The Stags continued to add runs throughout the game, ultimately securing a 10-0 victory. No. 2 hitter Delia Tremble contributed two hits and three runs, while Anna Goodman scored twice, and Bella Napolitano-Aberle, Sadie Collins, and Abby Kelly all recorded hits.
Eisenhart praised the depth of his team, highlighting that several players on the bench would be starters on most other teams. The Stags’ success is a testament to their balanced offense and strong pitching, making them a formidable opponent in Class A softball.
