By Wayne E. Rivet
Staff Writer

TRYING TO FIND THE HANDLE — Fryeburg Academy shortstop Michelle Rascoe tries to get a grip on the ball and make a throw against Sacopee Valley Friday. (Rivet Photo)

FRYEBURG — With just two games remaining in the regular season, Fryeburg Academy is keeping the pedal pushed to the metal.

There is no letting up on the gas as the Raiders crushed Gray-New Gloucester 10-0 Monday as Sarah Harriman hurled a 2-hitter while striking out eight to log her seventh shutout of the season.

While the Raiders (14-0) continue to play solid defense (opponents have scored just 18 runs in 14 games), the offense is clicking as Maggie McConkey drilled a double and a two-run triple as FA out hit Gray-NG 8-2. On the season, the Raiders have scored 118 runs, one of the many reasons FA has run away with the Class B West crown.

Coach Fred Apt has preached all season he wants to see the Raiders start quickly and put opponents behind the 8-ball. FA scored twice in their first at bat against the Patriots as Carla Tripp ripped a bullet down the third base line for a single, stole second and scored on a triple that Maddie “Whammer” Pearson crushed into the left center gap. Pearson scored on a pick-off attempt.

Fryeburg added a run in the third as Pearson singled and McConkey cranked an opposite field double, scoring Pearson.

The Raiders plated four runs in the fifth inning highlighted by RBI hit by Pearson (3-for-4, 3 runs scored, 2 RBI, 2 stolen bases) and Ashley Watkins. Fryeburg would score two runs in the seventh.

Tripp was 2-for-4 with 2 runs scored and 3 stolen bases. Michelle Rascoe had 2 hits and made 6 put-outs in the field.

In other action last week:

Fryeburg 5, Falmouth 0:

Falmouth entered the game last Wednesday with a 7-2 record and were third in the standings.

Fryeburg started the scoring in the third inning with a great at bat by the #9 hitter Maddy Smith. In a 12 pitch at bat in which she fouled off 7 pitches, Smith reached on a walk. She moved up on a wild pitch and scored on a single by Carla Tripp. Later in the frame, Maggie McConkey doubled to score Tripp.

MAKING A CONNECTION — Lake Region’s Kayleigh Lepage connects during recent varsity softball action in Naples. (Rivet Photo)

Fryeburg added a run in the fourth inning when Michelle Rascoe scored. In the sixth, Fryeburg scored twice.

Sarah Harriman pitched a complete game allowing 3 hits and had 7 strikeouts.

Tripp continued her torrid hitting (.530 average on the season) going 1-for-3 with a run and RBI and 1 stolen base.

Michelle Rascoe scored 2 runs and Maddy Smith was 1- for-1 with a run and a RBI.

Fryeburg 4, Sacopee Valley 0:

Within a week, Fryeburg would battle Sacopee Valley for a second time on Friday at the Legion Field. Sacopee entered the game 9-2.

On Senior Day, Raider fans, coaches and players honored Karissa Watkins, Michelle Rascoe, and tri-captains Ashley Watkins, Kelsey Sheehan and Charlotte Lewis before the game started, handing out roses and lots of hugs.

The most touching moment involved Sheehan, who has been out for the year due to a back injury. Coach Apt started Sheehan in her familiar leftfield position. After the first pitch, an emotional Coach Apt lifted Sheehan from the game to a nice ovation and high fives from all her teammates as she exited the field.

With the game scoreless in the third inning, Carla Tripp sharply singled, stole second and third base. The steal of third was acrobatic as Tripp leaped over the third baseman, who wondered where the speedy Tripp had gone as she caught only air as she attempted a tag. Senior Ashley Watkins drove Tripp home with a laser double to center.

In the fourth, Michelle Rascoe singled, and pinch hitter Abby Brown doubled to straight away center to knock in Rascoe. Fryeburg scored two runs in the fifth as Coach Apt dug back to the bench for another pinch hitter. Freshman Emiily Davidson didn’t disappoint as she hit a single, driving in 2 runs. Sarah Harriman was dominant on the mound as she allowed only 2 hits while striking out 12.

Up next: Fryeburg closes out the regular season on Monday, May 30 with a trip to Falmouth. Game time is noon. Note: This is a change in the schedule.