Staff Writer

Scarborough High School softball pitcher Maureen “Mo” Hannan has thrown a no-hitter, struck out 23 batters in one game is on the verge of winning a state title.

By the way, she’s only a freshman. 

Hannan has been a key cog to the Red Storm’s success this season. She, along with junior pitcher Melissa Dellatorre, has led the team to an 18-1 record. She pitched a complete game shutout, including striking out 10 batters during the Western Maine Final June 17 to give Scarborough a 2-0 win over the South Portland Red Riots.

While the win was impressive, it was peanuts compared to her start against South Portland on May 30, when she threw a no-hitter while striking out 23 batters in another 2-0 win.

Hannan said she was able to maintain focus and not think about her performance because of the speed of the game.

“That game just happened so quick, we had to keep plugging away,” she said.

Hannan said her 23-strikeout performance has been one of her top games thus far in her career.

“It’s right up there, because it happened in high school,” Hannan said. “That’s my main focus because it’s [representing] your town.”

As of press time, the Red Storm were scheduled to play the Maine Class A State Championship game against Skowhegan High School on Wednesday at Coffin Field in Brewer. The game was originally scheduled for last Saturday, but was rescheduled twice due to bad weather.

Hannan said she just wanted to finally play the game.

“At this point, I just want to get to the game and win it,” she said. “Especially for the seniors. Right now we’re practicing hard. We’re hoping to win.”

Hannan gives much of the credit for her success this season to junior catcher Heather Carrier.

“Heather does a really great job,” Hannan said. 

Hannan said she began her softball career at an early age.

“I started with tee-ball and played lacrosse for a year,” she said. “Derek Volk approached me and my dad about playing for the Southern Maine Flame at 9 [years old] and I just kept getting better.”

Hannan said she then started to attend pitching clinics taught by Red Storm head coach Tom Griffin. Hannan said today she works with pitching coach Doug Williams each week, and plays softball throughout the year by continuing to play for the Southern Maine Flame in the off-season.

On top of playing softball, Hannan also plays field hockey in the fall and basketball in the winter.

“Basketball was my first love,” she said. “I work really hard at softball, but I still love basketball the most.”

If Scarborough beats Skowhegan, the Red Storm will have won two state championships in three years. Hannan said she is excited about the possibility of winning more state titles, as she still has three more years left of high school.

“That would be pretty sweet,” she said. “Just to get in the playoffs and just always improve along the way. Getting to the [Maine Class A] Western Maine Finals every year. I think we’ll be strong.”

Individually, Hannan said she would like to continue her dominating ways in the future.

“I just want to keep improving,” she said. “When I’m a senior, I still want to shut down people.”

Staff writer Dave Dyer can be reached at 282-4337 ext.219