Telstar and Madison have been two of the top contenders in Class C South in recent seasons, and this spring it may be no different.

The Rebels went 17-3 last year and lost in the state championship game to Bucksport after a strong finish and playoff wins over Hall-Dale and Madison. Telstar graduated all-conference talents Sadie Ellsworth and Katie Merrill, but the Rebels still return the core of last year’s club.

“We hope to contend for the MVC title and make some noise in the playoffs,” Telstar coach Jim Lunney said.

Telstar has eight returning upperclassmen from last year’s squad, including pitcher Olivia York, who came into her own last year and posted a 0.90 ERA. Also back are senior infielders Becca Howard, Hayley Peterson, Ashley Savage and Lisa Gammon, and outfielders Dharma Damon and Cassidy Smith. Howard had a school record .654 batting average last year. Junior outfielder Tehya Johnson also returns and is the team’s No. 4 hitter.

Madison was the top seed last year but lost to Telstar in the regional final. The Bulldogs have much of their team back and should be a team to beat. Hall-Dale was the second seed last season and lost to Telstar in the semifinals. Those Bulldogs could be in the playoff mix once again. So could Carrabec, which was the sixth seed a year ago and lost in the quarterfinals.

Monmouth finished 10-8 and reached the semifinals, but lost to Madison. The Mustangs look young on paper but have some seasoned players back. Senior Katie Canning and sophomore Emily Chasse return to the circle and give Monmouth some experienced pitching. Mikayla Cameron in the outfield is the only other senior back. Monmouth also returns sophomores Tia Day and Hannah Anderson and junior Rhiannon Dumond. Day led the team in RBI’s last year while Anderson proved a consistent offensive threat.

“We are a very young team that may take some time to gel on offense and defense,” Monmouth coach Dave Kaplan said. “Our strength however is our veteran pitching staff. Both are capable of shutting good hitting teams down.”

Dirigo went 11-5 and lost in the quarterfinals to Monmouth. The Cougars return a senior battery in pitcher Katelyn Olsen and catcher Kenzie Lord as well as standout shortstop Emma Lueders. Also back are seniors Mariah Lafleur, Ellie Jasper, Summer Bradbury and juniors Brittany Greig and Alexis Theriault.

Lisbon finished 10-7 overall last year and lost to Madison in the quarterfinals. The Greyhounds have some holes to fill after graduating five regulars including pitcher Kailyn Hill and standouts Arianna Kahler and Molly Nicholson.

Lisbon has no returning seniors but has a solid junior group that includes Ali Sult, Jasmin Le, Kipri Steele, Kate Philbrick, Hannah Martel and Alyssa Hall. Sophomores Morgan Fenderson and Brittany Norman are also back.

“We are a young team with a lot of dedicated athletes that are excited to play,” Lisbon coach Terri Tlumac said.

Winthrop, Mt. Abram and St. Dom’s are all looking to build. Winthrop went 3-13 and has some experienced players back, as well as a promising young group.

Tess Moody is the only senior returning, but the Ramblers have a group of juniors in Molly Glaser, Kayleigh Oberg, Amber Raymond, Shie Smith and Matti Rice. Most of the Ramblers played indoor softball this winter and are determined to build on last year.

“We have an extremely talented incoming class of freshmen, who will be asked to step into big roles on our team,” Winthrop coach Chuck Gurney said. “I think we are ready to take the next step forward in a very tough MVC.”

Mt. Abram has a new coach and a young squad. Bailey Beers is the lone returning senior. Megan Marble is the only junior back from last season while Alora Ross returns after missing a year to injury. Returning sophomores include Abby Holland, Jocelyn Whiting and Kaci Presby and Chenoa Savage. The Roadrunners will rely on freshman pitcher Summer Ross.

“I expect a learning year,” Mt. Abram coach Errol Berry said. “It is going to take time to bring my coaching style and philosophies into the program. With such a young team, fundamentals and game knowledge is the key this year.”

St. Dom’s went 1-15 last year after barely having a season because of low numbers. The Saints have a new coach and a young team looking to improve. Juniors Allie Veinote and Sarah Clark are the only returning upperclassmen, while sophomores Janelle Bryant, Maggie Kase and Jasmyne Thornton also return.

kmills@sunjournal.com