Staff Writer

They’re baaack.

After a year hiatus, the Scarborough High School softball team returns to the Maine Class A State Championship after defeating the South Portland Red Riots 2-0 June 17 at Saint Joseph’s College in Standish.

Runs were at a premium, as the game involved a pitcher’s dual between Red Storm freshman Maureen “Mo” Hannan and South Portland sophomore Alexis Bogdanovich. Both players pitched throughout the entire game, with Bogdanovich finishing with five strikeouts and Hannan finishing the game striking out 10 Red Riots batters.

After two scoreless innings, Scarborough was able to score their first run in the bottom of the third inning. Shortstop Brianna Mancuso hit a single to get on base, then stole second base to get into scoring position. Two batters later, second baseman Reegan Brackett got a base hit up the middle to score Mancuso and give the Red Storm a 1-0 lead.

Scarborough scored their second and final run in the bottom of the fifth inning. First baseman Abbey Pelletier started the inning off with a base hit to left field. After a sacrifice bunt by Mancuso moved Pelletier to second, catcher Heather Carrier hit a double to score Pelletier and make the score 2-0.

Hannan dominated South Portland throughout the game. She gave up one hit – an infield single to Bogdanovich in the first inning – and it would be the only hit the Red Riots would get for the rest of the game. Only one batter reached base during the game for South Portland, because of a walk to Red Riots first baseman Amanda Linscott at the top of the third inning.

Defense was also on display for the Red Storm, as Brackett made a diving catch on right fielder Danielle DiBiase in the sixth inning. Scarborough third baseman Catie Funk was able to  snag a screaming line drive in the top of the seventh to help seal the victory.

The win brought Scarborough’s record to 18-1 on the season. The Red Storm return to the state championship for the first time since their last championship win in 2007. Scarborough had an undefeated regular season last year, but lost to the Biddeford Tigers in the Maine Class A Western Maine Finals.

South Portland head coach Ralph Aceto said Scarborough deserves to play in the championship game.

“It was a great game, they made big plays,” Aceto said. “I give those guys a lot of credit, they have a great team and they deserved [the win] today.”

Funk said she knew the Red Storm hitters would have a tough time against Bogdanovich.

“We came in knowing Alexis throws hard,” Funk said. “We knew she would give us a hard run, she took us to eight innings last time. We definitely expected to battle.”

Funk said the team would be able to enjoy the win for a short while before preparing for the state championship game.

“We have until tomorrow to cherish what we did,” Funk said. “Then we start focusing on the state game.”

As of press time, Scarborough was scheduled to play against Class A Eastern champions Skowhegan High School on Wednesday at Coffin Field in Brewer. The game was originally scheduled for last Saturday, however, the game was rescheduled twice because of bad weather.

Scarborough head coach Tom Griffin said he’s been trying to keep his team upbeat while waiting for a chance to play.

“They just want to play and get it over with,” Griffin said. “It’s obviously been pretty frustrating. My goal is to get them excited when we play.”

Griffin said he has kept practices light for the players in preparation for the game.

“I could go on and on about this group,” Griffin said. “These kids are just rock solid. They’re kind of a happy-go-lucky group. They’re not too intense, they love to enjoy the camaraderie.”

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