Young Bourne Softball Team Set To Play Ball

By: Dan Crowley
Published: 04/07/11

 “We’re a young team, but we’re gaining experience every day,” Bourne Softball Coach Glen Gifford said of his team this spring. “The kids have bonded really well; they’re supportive of each other and very enthusiastic.”

The Lady Canalmen will be led onto the field this spring by senior captain Erin O’Rourke-Robbins, a four-year veteran of BHS softball.

“She is the leader of the team. We’re expecting good things from her,” Gifford said. “She has worked hard on her hitting in the off-season. We’re hoping she can drive in some runs.”

O’Rourke-Robbins is expected to hit third in the order this spring.

The team’s other senior, Kalyn Anderson, will see time as a pitcher and second baseman.

“Kalyn will be joining the team next week,” Gifford noted. “She is a second-year player.”

Junior Chelsea Boulrisse will begin the season at shortstop for the Lady Canalmen.

“Chelsea has played with us for three years,” Gifford pointed out. “She hit 400 in both her freshman and sophomore years. As a freshman she was a South Coast Conference All-Star Honorable Mention. Last year she was an SCC All-Star. Chelsea has speed, great bat control, and a very accurate arm. She is a slap hitter. We’re looking for her to continue doing just what she has been doing.”

Junior Caitlyn Mueller will split time between first base and center field.

“She is also our backup pitcher,” Gifford explained. “We’re looking for big things from her. She has really matured and become a very good ball player. She has had a good preseason and will probably hit in the fourth spot.”

Junior Kristen Isabelle will play right field for the Lady Canalmen.

“This is her third season,” Gifford said. “She has a decent arm, is a quick learner with a good glove, and knows the game.”

Sophomore Amber Prevey played left field for BHS last spring but will open the season this year at third base.
“Amber is new to third base,” the coach noted, “but she has handled the position in preseason very well. She has made some big improvements and will probably hit second. She makes good contact and can bunt. She’s quick and has a strong arm.”

Sophomore Nicole Anthony will play second base.

“Nicole has very good hands and is fast,” Coach Gifford said. “She is new to the position and gaining experience.”
Another sophomore, Quiana Wilson, will return behind the plate for Bourne.

“She is recovering from an injury right now,” the coach explained, “and still needs to get her knee strong. She is very enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and has a good bat. She could see some time at first base.”

Freshman Brie Girouard will handle left field for the Lady Canalmen this spring.

“She is an athlete,” Gifford admitted. “She can play multipositions. Brie has a very accurate arm and a good glove, and when she connects at the plate, she pounds the ball.”

Freshman Raynell Fisher will pitch opening day for the Lady Canalmen.

“She has been throwing very well,” the coach noted. “Raynell is gaining more experience every game.”

Fisher throws three pitches including a fastball, a changeup and a natural curve.

Freshman Brittany Roderiques will see some time in the outfield.

“She came up through the rec league,” the coach explained. “She can track down a fly ball, has an above average arm, and has looked good this spring.”

Rounding out the roster for the Lady Canalmen are freshmen Jacquelyn Hall, Olivia Hapenny, Kameryn Hart, Catherine Vallee, Val Lalli and Mariah Gutierrez, all expected to play in the outfield.

“They have been gaining experience every day,” the coach said. “They are eager and excited to get onto the field.”
The Lady Canalmen will open the season today at Plymouth North with the first pitch scheduled for 3:30 PM.

Gifford will be assisted this year by Coach Cathy Johannessen, a BHS softball alumni and the junior varsity basketball coach for the Lady Canalmen.

“Everyone is listening and willing to learn,” Coach Gifford added. “We have a great group of kids and they are working hard.”