By Marc Thaler
Staff Writer

MVMS seventh-grader and second baseman Michelle Beaulieu makes a clean toss to first during recent action against McKelvie Middle School of Bedford. Beaulieu is one of a handful of returning players who, according to head coach Mike Garrity, have helped the '05 team become a tight-knit group. (Marc Thaler Photo)

GOFFSTOWN - On Michael Garrity's list of priorities for his 2005 Mountain View Middle School softball squad, wins and losses receive the least attention.

The MVMS head coach chooses to think long term with his players, which involves preparing them for softball against stiffer competition. That's precisely why other elements of the game are more important than victories and defeats.

Garrity's goals include helping his players develop their softball skills, understanding the importance of teamwork and making sure every individual is thinking about what has to be done on the diamond.

So far, his group has succeeded. "They've really dedicated themselves to softball," Garrity said of his 13 players. "I've seen a lot of improvement in everyone's ability."

Garrity credited the players - progression in terms of basic skills to the town's youth league.

With fundamentals in place, the coach said his job is to prepare the girls for the tough competition of Tri-County softball.

"The Parks and Recreation league is a great experience for them," Garrity said. "But it doesn't give that competitive (element found in the Tri- County league). And it's a tough transition."

This season, MVMS returned a solid nucleus of talent, Garrity said.

The 2005 edition is led by eighth-grade captains Katelynn Barss, Sarah Chabot and Emma Sobolov; along with fellow eighth-graders Ashley Gregory, Maria Girardin, Alexa Morin, Sarah Smith and Heather-Jo Wallace; and seventh-graders Jenn Bartlett and Michelle Beaulieu.

In addition to the veteran players, MVMS welcomed eighthgrader Jessica Mailhot and seventh-graders Ashley Barss, Tricia Larivee and Molly Ward. The squad's core group of returning players have made it very easy for every athlete to feel comfortable and make contributions to the team in the process, Garrity said.

"Our teamwork is really good," the coach said of Mountain View's biggest strength this season. "They back each other up, support each other. They get along so well and that helps a ton. A lot of people think softball isn't a team sport, but it is." Garrity said he's a firm believer that athletics, particularly at the middle school level, are meant to allow children the opportunity to enjoy themselves and stay active.

Sports can also serve as an extension of the classroom, he added.

"It has to be something they enjoy doing, but I want them to get better doing it. I'm not a yelling coach. But they're expected to play hard for two hours a day, laugh and have a good time doing it."

The girls, according to coach, are having a blast participating in Garrity's system.

MVMS is a competitive group, proven by the intensity exhibited against McKelvie Middle School of Bedford on Tuesday, May 3. But the players also have the uncanny ability to avoid taking themselves too seriously, which Garrity said is a great attribute.

"When they make mistakes, they tell each other not to worry about it," Garrity said. "They.re like a little family. There are no rifts or cliques ... As long as they give 100 percent, I can accept the results if they left it all on the field."