(Note: No information was provided for outdoor track)

BASEBALL

Coach: Kevin Winship (sixth year, 69-23 overall record, one state championship)

2014 record: 15-3 (Lost, 4-2, to eventual regional champion Windham, in Western A semifinals)

Top returning players: Cal Inlow (Senior), Caleb Lydick (Senior), Connor MacDowell (Senior), Ryan Mucci (Senior), Connor Aube (Junior), Reece Armitage (Sophomore), Chris Camelio (Sophomore), Colin Coyne (Sophomore), Cam Guarino (Sophomore)

Pivotal games: April 27 @ York, April 29 CAPE ELIZABETH, May 8 @ Greely, May 20 @ Yarmouth, May 22 GREELY, May 27 @ Cape Elizabeth, May 29 YARMOUTH

Coach’s comment: “Once again, our pitching and defense will be solid. Offensively, we have some holes to fill, but we have young guys who have gotten good experience. Our goal is to make the playoffs and see what happens. We hope to be right there again at the end.”

The Forecaster’s forecast: Falmouth was very successful a year ago, winning the final 10 games of the regular season, highlighted by a doubleheader sweep of eventual Class B state champion Greely, but the Yachtsmen’s title hopes were dashed by Cinderella Windham in the semifinals. Graduation took WMC Class A/B Player of the Year Will D’Agostino and league all-star Addison Foltmer, but a lot of talent returns, which means Falmouth should be very competitive during the regular season and has what it takes to go deep into the Class A playoffs.

This year’s squad will be very effective on the mound. Guarino is coming off a brilliant freshman season which saw him go 5-0 with a 0.41 earned run average and be named to the All-Conference second-team. It will be pretty tough to build on that excellence, but Guarino is up for the challenge. Armitage was 3-2 with a 1.57 ERA in 2014. Mucci was 1-0 with a 2.47 ERA in 5.2 innings last season. The Yachtsmen are in great shape behind the plate with MacDowell, who recently committed to play at Oberlin College. MacDowell hit .322, scored 19 runs and drove in 10 last season. The offensive sparkplug will be Aube, the centerfielder, who hit .491 last spring with a team-high 28 hits and 23 runs. Aube (a first-team all-star) had five doubles, two triples and 14 RBI. He also stole 17 bases, staking his claim as arguably the best all-around player around. The infield features Inlow at first, Coyne (.370, 10 hits, 6 RBI last season) at second, Lydick at third and sophomore Robbie Armitage at short, who looks to replace D’Agostino. Camelio can play several different positions. Junior Tyler Gee will see time in the outfield. Freshman Colby Emmertz figures to play a role as well, be it as an infielder, designated hitter or catcher. The Yachtsmen would be even deeper had they not lost senior Noah Nelson and junior Jesse Melchiskey for the season to injuries.

This group is undeniably talented. Another impressive regular season record is likely. This squad will be judged by how it plays in the postseason. Winning in Class A won’t be easy, but don’t think for a second that Falmouth isn’t capable of going all the way.

SOFTBALL

Coach: Ray Fox (third year, 19-15 overall record)

2014 record: 10-7 (Lost, 8-3, to Marshwood in Western Class A preliminary round)

Top returning players: Katie Greene (Senior), Elizabeth Walker (Senior), Emily Beaulieu (Junior), Jessica Collins (Junior), Krysia Lesniak (Junior), Julia Treadwell (Junior), Maddie Rouhana (Sophomore)

Pivotal games: April 29 CAPE ELIZABETH, May 4 @ Fryeburg, May 6 GRAY-NG, May 8 @ Greely, May 14 @ Wells, May 18 WELLS, May 20 @ Yarmouth, May 22 GREELY, May 27 @ Cape Elizabeth, May 29 YARMOUTH, June 2 POLAND

Coach’s comment: “Our pitching and the top part of our lineup should be solid, but our defense needs to improve as we committed far too many errors last year. Over one-third of the runs we gave up were unearned. We should be competitive throughout the regular season. Health will play a huge role, as we’re currently dealing with a couple injuries and illnesses to key players. Hopefully, we’ll be fully recovered by the start of the season. We’d like to improve upon our win total from last year and qualify for the playoffs.”

The Forecaster’s forecast: Falmouth shot to a 7-1 start last season, then came back to earth in the second half and wound up suffering a disappointing loss in its first ever Class A playoff game. This spring, the Yachtsmen are seeking more consistency.

There’s no shortage of talented players on the roster. Walker was a first-team all-star and the WMC Class A/B Player of the Year last season after hitting .529 with 21 runs scored, five doubles, five triples, five home runs and 22 RBI, is the most potent bat. She’ll play first base and the outfield and spend some time on the mound as well, but the majority of the innings will be gobbled up by Treadwell, who is now in her third year on the hill. Last season, sharing time with Amanda Carver, Treadwell went 4-5 with a solid 1.94 earned run average. She struck out 62 batters and was named a second-team all-star. Treadwell can wield the bat as well. In 2014, she hit .306 and drove in 12 runs. Rouhana, a second-team all-star as a freshman shortstop, is coming off a dazzling rookie campaign which saw her hit .444, score 27 runs, drive in 14 and steal 10 bases. Collins, the catcher, hit .400 as a freshman, but struggled last season with injury. She’s expected to help the offensive cause. Beaulieu (second base), Green (infield/outfield) and Lesniak (outfield) are other returners of note. Juniors Camden Carrier (infield), Erica D’Alberto (outfield) and Kayleigh Rhodes (infield) and sophomore Allison Murphy (infield) will look to make an impact as the season progresses.

Falmouth faces no shortage of talented opponents during the regular year, but the Yachtsmen can match up with anyone. If this team can play well defensively, it will be very hard to beat in April and May and more importantly, in June. A second visit to the Class A playoffs could result in a deep run.

BOYS’ LACROSSE

Coach: Mike LeBel (ninth year, 80-33 overall record, two state championships)

2014 record: 10-4 (Lost, 11-8, to eventual champion Cape Elizabeth in Western B Final)

Top returning players: Bryce Kuhn (Senior), C.J. Leighton (Senior), George Gilbert (Junior)

Pivotal games: April 22 @ Scarborough, April 28 @ Kennebunk, May 1 NYA, May 7 CHEVERUS, May 12 CAPE ELIZABETH, May 19 YARMOUTH, May 27 @ Greely, May 30 KENNEBUNK, June 2 @ Cape Elizabeth

Coach’s comment: “We have a ton of potential, but we have a huge lack of experience. We have freshmen and sophomores who will see significant time. Right now the kids are having a hard time processing the speed of the game. I think we’ll get better as we go along. I have good kids. It’s going to be a fun year.”

The Forecaster’s forecast: Last spring, for the second year in a row, Falmouth could argue it was the second-best team in the state, but it ultimately had nothing to show for it, as the Yachtsmen, on three occasions, had no answer for Cape Elizabeth. The last loss came in the regional final, but falling short of a title shouldn’t detract from what was yet another in a series of terrific campaigns. After graduating All-American IV Stucker, Falmouth yet again has some big shoes to fill, but based upon Thursday’s 22-2 romp over Freeport in the opener, there appears to be plenty of firepower in reserve.

Kuhn had six goals and added seven assists in the first game and figures to pace the offense again with help from Gilbert (four goals Thursday) and Leighton. Junior Austin Wheeler and sophomores Devin Russell (five goals in the opener), Henry Norris and Jack Scribner provide offensive depth. On defense, the Yachtsmen can turn to sophomore Seth Masciangelo and senior Jack Zinn, a transfer from Cheverus. Sophomore Liam Tucker replaces Nick Beaulieu in goal. Tucker saw limited time as a freshman and has great promise.

Falmouth will once again be on the short list of the best teams in the state, but the same problem exists, the Yachtsmen will have to figure out a way to beat Cape Elizabeth. They’ll likely get three cracks at the Capers, with the big one coming in the playoffs in June. By then, Falmouth will have hit its stride. If there’s one team capable of ending Cape Elizabeth’s run, it’s this one. It won’t come easily, but don’t write this squad off.

GIRLS’ LACROSSE

Coach: Kait Johnson (second year)

2014 record: 4-9 (Lost, 13-6, to Cape Elizabeth in Western Class B quarterfinals)

Top returning players: Leigh Bernardy (Senior), Angie Diphilippo (Senior), Elle Fitzgerald (Senior), Lizzie Goodrich (Senior), Nina Marsanskis (Senior), London Bernier (Junior), Nicole Budri (Junior), Sarah Hutcheon (Junior), Sydney Bell (Sophomore), Devin Sarazin (Sophomore), Olivia Stucker (Sophomore)

Pivotal games: May 6 CAPE ELIZABETH, May 8 TA, May 13 @ Waynflete, May 26 @ Kennebunk, May 29 GREELY, June 3 @ Cape Elizabeth

Coach’s comment: “We’re an experienced team with a lot of talent. The girls have worked hard in the offseason and the preseason. We’re very united this year. We’ll be very balanced on offense. We have threats all over. The girls definitely want it. They’re eager to get out there. We only plan to get better.”

The Forecaster’s forecast: After a frustrating 2014 campaign, Falmouth has turned the page and might just be the team to beat before all is said and done. Last year, the Yachtsmen were more competitive than their record indicated, winning at Waynflete and Thornton Academy and losing close games to several contenders, but they weren’t able to handle eventual regional champion Cape Elizabeth in the playoffs.

With plenty of talent returning and a renewed commitment to team unity, Falmouth came into the year with optimism, something that was validated big time Thursday when it went to defending Class B champion Yarmouth and went on to a statement-making 14-9 victory. In that one, Bernardy showed her wizardry in the draw circle and Bell went off for five goals and three assists. This season, the offense figures to be balanced. Bell will score her share of goals, as will Bernardy, Bernier, Fitzgerald, Goodrich, Sarazin and Stucker. Freshman Amelia Waite will also be heard from. Defensively, the Yachtsmen are very strong, led by Budri, Diphilippo and Marsanskis. Sophomore Gabby Farrell and freshman Chelsea Smithwick will see ample playing time as well. Hutcheon returns in goal. She’ll get help from sophomore Mary Budri.

This group believes in itself and its mission. Falmouth has a ton of confidence and will be a matchup nightmare for everyone it faces. In light of the schedule, there will be some bumps in the road, but the Yachtsmen will stay mentally strong. Western B is a very tough region. Kennebunk is the favorite, Waynflete’s pedigree is unmatched, Cape Elizabeth is the defending champ and Greely and York are also tough, but when the dust settles, don’t be surprised if the Yachtsmen have the last laugh.

BOYS’ TENNIS

Coach: Bob McCully (44th year, eight state championships)

2014 record: 16-0 (Beat Mt. Ararat, 3-2, to win Class A state title)

Top returning player: Aidan McGrory (Senior)

Pivotal matches: April 28 YARMOUTH, May 1 CAPE ELIZABETH, May 14 @ Cape Elizabeth, May 22 @ Waynflete

Coach’s comment: “We graduated six of our top seven players from last year. We expect tough matches. To win a state championship, which is always a primary goal, we move into Class A and face teams we haven’t seen. We’re a young team which anticipates steady improvement throughout the season.”

The Forecaster’s forecast: Falmouth completed its trifecta a year ago, adding a Class A title to the three won in Class C and four in Class B. Graduation took everyone but McGrory, but don’t think for a minute that the Yachtsmen will slip much this year.

McGrory was a first-team all-star last year and projects to play first singles. The rest of the ladder was up in the air at press time. Senior Gabe Mahoney is new to tennis and figures into the mix. Juniors Jamie Adelman, Jaspreet Kohli and Thomas Lesniak, sophomores Jordan Bruce, Grayson Cohen, Trey Fallon, Karan Gudola and Peter Stegemann and freshmen Matt Adamowicz and Alex Klemperer are also vying for spots.

Rivals like Cape Elizabeth, Waynflete and Yarmouth will make for difficult regular season foes and it’s unlikely Falmouth will manage to post another perfect record, but this team will be among the best in the Western Maine Conference and when June rolls around, no Class A team will want to have to go up against the defending champions. A repeat title won’t come easily, but presuming McCully (who needs three wins for 500 for his career) gets his new players get up to speed, it wouldn’t be a surprise.

GIRLS’ TENNIS

Coach: Sandra Stone (13th year, 171-14 overall record, nine state championships)

2014 record: 16-0 (Defeated Brunswick, 5-0, to win Class A title and seventh straight state championship)

Top returning players: Olivia Leavitt (Senior), Julia Brogan (Junior), Caroline Ray (Junior), Mary Hyland (Sophomore), Kate Kelley (Sophomore), Amanda Watson (Sophomore)

Pivotal matches: April 28 @ Yarmouth, May 1 @ Cape Elizabeth, May 11 GREELY, May 13 @ Greely, May 14 CAPE ELIZABETH, May 20 @ NYA, May 22 WAYNFLETE

Coach’s comment: “We only lost one senior to graduation. We have a total of 19 players. Eleven returning and eight new. We once again look very solid. We’re developing team camaraderie and improving player skills daily. Additional goals are to have fun, prepare well and be our own best practice partners and cheerleaders.”

The Forecaster’s forecast: Falmouth has set the bar for excellence so high it’s hard to imagine anyone ever approaching what this juggernaut has accomplished. Last year, the Yachtsmen won all 16 matches by 5-0 scores, captured a first Class A crown, their seventh successive state championship, and extended their state-record match win streak to 109 and counting. Falmouth only lost one member of that team, Katie Ryan, who is now playing at Colby College. With the addition of new assistant coach Bill Goodspeed to an already accomplished staff, all signs suggest that the Yachtsmen will run through the opposition again, but they’re not taking anything for granted.

This year’s team is led again by first singles standout Olivia Leavitt, Falmouth’s two-time reigning Spring Female Athlete of the Year and the defending singles champion. She’ll look to cap her sensational high school career with another individual and team crown. Brogan and Ray are also playing singles. The top doubles team features Kelley and Watson. Hyland and senior Meg Pierce are at second doubles.

While some powerhouses are weighed down by expectations and wearing the bulls-eye, this group thrives on it. The 2015 Yachtsmen have every intention of extending their streak to 125 and winning an eighth successive championship. Anything short of that would be quite shocking.

Sports Editor Michael Hoffer can be reached at mhoffer@theforecaster.net. Follow him on Twitter: @foresports.

Connor Aube can do it all for a Falmouth baseball team poised to play deep into June.

Cam Guarino made quite a splash as a freshman and will be one of the conference’s elite pitchers.

Jess Collins is healthy again and looks to be a key part of the Yachtsmen’s lineup.

Maddie Rouhana had an all-star season as a freshman, hitting .444.

Julia Treadwell had a 1.94 ERA and 62 strikeouts in 2014.

George Gilbert will be a top offensive threat for a Falmouth boys’ lacrosse team hungry to get back to the pinnacle.

Bryce Kuhn is already on pace for a huge offensive season.

C.J. Leighton will also be a matchup nightmare.

Seth Masciangelo made a mark as a freshman and will be one of Falmouth’s top defenders.

Sydney Bell had five goals in Falmouth’s season opening win at Yarmouth and doesn’t figure to slow down anytime soon.

Leigh Bernardy has emerged as a standout in the draw circle and a top offensive threat.

Angie Diphilippo will help anchor Falmouth’s defense.

Sophomore Olivia Stucker will also be heard from on offense.

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Olivia Leavitt had no peer as an individual last spring and once again, she and her teammates cruised to a state title. Look for more greatness from Leavitt and the Yachtsmen again this season.

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