Being from Glenburn, which doesn’t have its own high school, Abby and Kaylee Folsom had their choice of high schools to attend.
The freshmen twins selected Bangor High and the softball team has been the beneficiary.
Abby, who is one minute older than Kaylee, has been the team’s starting shortstop and Kaylee has been the first baseman.
They have played a major role in Bangor’s dramatic turnaround from a team that was 2-14 a year ago and missed the Class A North playoffs to the top seed this season thanks to a 12-4 record.
And the Rams won their A North quarterfinal on Wednesday, 10-0 in six innings, over eighth seed Lewiston.
“To come in as freshmen and hold down their spots has been very influential,” said Bangor standout senior catcher and Ellsworth High transfer Sophie Lynch, who noted that the Folsoms have “been so impactful at their positions” for the Rams.
“That’s a lot of pressure to put on a freshman but they’ve done a great job coming into their roles,” Lynch added.
Lynch also pointed out that Abby Folsom came through with a big hit that gave the Rams an important win over arch-rival Brewer on Seniors Night earlier this month.
Folsom belted a three-run homer in the sixth inning that gave them a come-from-behind 7-6 win over the Witches. Folsom had three hits and drove in five runs in that game.
“We wouldn’t be the same team without them,” said sophomore ace pitcher and Belfast transfer Emma Tripp. “They impact the game a lot. They always get on base. Even if they don’t get on base, they hit the girls in.”
Tripp credited Abby Folsom for her diving plays at shortstop and Kaylee Folsom for her “great scoops” at first base.
“They’re awesome. They are huge assets in the field,” said senior second baseman Gabby Goding.
The twins said they have had a great experience with support teammates in Bangor.
“We’re from a choice school so we didn’t know anyone coming in. But they really took us under their wing and helped us out a lot,” said Abby.
“It has been an amazing experience. It’s a whole new level of play we hadn’t had a chance to play at before,” said Kaylee.
There has certainly been an adjustment for both of them from junior high ball to Class A.
“The pitchers and hitters are a lot better than what I’ve seen before. It has taken me a while to adjust,” said Kaylee.
“The girls are a lot faster and get down the line quicker so I’ve had to get my reaction time and transfer time a lot quicker,” said Abby, who has a very strong arm.
The twins said they have improved significantly from the start of the season until now.
Abby is primarily a catcher but has been playing shortstop for a year.
Kaylee is a pitcher who had also played a lot of first base and second base prior to this season.
Another nice aspect of the season have been the wins.
“We didn’t win a lot of games at Glenburn. This is a great feeling,” said Kaylee, who hits eighth in the lineup.
“It’s been very exciting for us and for the whole team,” said Abby, who hits second and has hit in the mid 300s according to head coach Sophia Sciarappa.
The twins chose Bangor for a number of reasons.
“The coach is amazing and the academics are really good,” said Abby Folsom.
The twins got to know Sciarappa through the Sluggers Baseball and Softball Training Facility in Brewer.
Sciarappa said the twins have brought a lot to the team.
“They are great people. They have a lot of energy and they are competitors. That’s what we’re looking for,” Sciarappa said.
In addition to softball, they have also enjoyed the school, which has one of the highest enrollments in the state.
“It’s not as big as everyone says it is. You find your path and your people and you stick with it,” said Abby.
Bangor will host either Camden Hills or Skowhegan in Saturday’s semifinals.
