BANGOR — Every softball coach, like any baseball coach, would love to have an ace.
It is even more significant in softball because the pitching motion isn’t as taxing on the arm, so pitchers can throw more innings.
Bangor High School softball coach Don Stanhope finds himself in an enviable position this spring. He has three pitchers who could be potential aces in seniors Skylar Cassum, Emily Reilly and Cordelia Stewart.
And he intends to use all three.
Stanhope often used two pitchers in a game last year when the Rams went 14-4 and reached the Eastern Maine Class A semifinals.
“We used two in a game quite a bit, and it worked out well for us,” said Stanhope, who will have an added option this season.
“If we can balance the innings through the bulk of the first half of the season, the pitchers won’t be worn out [in the second half],” said Stanhope.
“[Having fresh arms] will definitely put us ahead of other teams,” said Reilly.
Stanhope noted that it is rare to have this much pitching depth and said “it will give us the ability to ride who’s hot for a little while.”
Bangor also has an up-and-coming junior pitcher in Kathryn Sund.
Cassum and Reilly logged the majority of the innings a year ago because Stewart was coming off knee surgery.
Cassum was 7-2 with a 2.79 earned run average in 62 ⅔ innings. She had 58 strikeouts and just nine walks.
Reilly was 4-2 with a 2.19 ERA over 38 ⅓ innings. She struck out 55 and walked eight.
Stewart was 3-0 with a 1.54 ERA over 13 ⅔ innings. She struck out 13 and issued 5 walks.
The three pitchers are supportive of each each other and like being a part of a deep and versatile staff.
“If one of us is having an off day, you will have someone else ready to come in,” said Cassum.
“You know somebody has your back,” agreed Reilly.
Stanhope said the depth could be even more advantageous if postponements force their games to get backed up.
“It’s awesome,” said senior shortstop and co-captain Sydni Cosgrove. “They all work really hard and are very good at what they do.”
“They are all capable of giving us awesome innings any day,” said senior Kylie Cunningham, who catches them.
They are different types of pitchers. Cassum and Stewart are power pitchers, while Reilly is more of a finesse pitcher.
“Emily throws a lot of spins, Skylar throws hard and has spins and Cordelia has a lot of power,” explained Cunningham.
“With each of them having different strengths, we’re able to change it up on our opponent,” observed senior right fielder and co-captain Lilli Wiseman.
The girls are friends and have played together since they were youngsters.
One thing that makes the situation easier on the trio is the fact the two who aren’t pitching on a particular day will be in the regular lineup.
“They’re three of our best hitters and they are heady softball players,” said Stanhope.
“It’s nice that we’re always active instead of sitting [when we aren’t pitching],” said Cassum.
Stewart plays first base while Cassum and Reilly play left field.
Stewart hit .424 with three homers and 26 runs batted in a year ago. Reilly hit .383 with two homers and 16 RBIs and Cassum hit .324 with nine RBIs.
The Rams, who have nine seniors, are looking for a memorable season.
Junior center fielder Emily Gilmore (.521-2-19), Cosgrove (.400-0-8) and Cunningham (.393-0-12) are among the offensive catalysts along with Stewart, Cassum and Reilly.
“We’re going to be good,” said Cunningham.