To say the Richmond High School softball team has owned the Rangeley Lakers over the past eight years in East-West Conference play is a gross understatement.

Consider prior to this season, the Bobcats had won the last 19 meetings, outscoring Rangeley, 240-23.

In the first two meetings this season, the outcome was more of the same, with Richmond rolling to a 10-0 victory on April 28 at Rangeley, and pounding the Lakers, 14-0 in the first game of a doubleheader at Jay on May 25.

Added all up, that is a 264-23 scoring advantage in the 21 meetings since the 2004 season. Wow!

Then, from seemingly out of nowhere, Rangeley turned the tables in the second game of that May 25 doubleheader, beating the Bobcats, 9- 5, the only blemish on Richmond’s 2012 season to date.

Another shot

Rick Coughlin’s Bobcats get another shot at Rangeley, this time in Richmond’s home away from home, St. Joseph’s College in Standish, in the Western Maine Class D Final tonight, with first pitch scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

“They’re not a bad club,” said Coughlin of the second-seeded Lakers, who come in with a record of 12-3 after knocking off third-seeded Buckfield, 4-3, in a Western D semifinal clash on Saturday. “I felt it was a good game for us to lose. We were able to get back to working on the basics. It allowed the kids to realize they can lose if they don’t play up to their capabilities.”

Facing Rangeley in the Western D final is a strange occurrence for Richmond. Old friend and Buckfield coach Ken Farrington will not be staring across the field at Coughlin’s Bobcats in this big game for the first time since 2004. Ever since 2005, the Western

D title has come down to the Bucks and the Bobcats, with Richmond claiming the past two regional crowns after Buckfield took four in a row from 2006-09.

“It’s definitely going to be strange not playing Buckfield,” acknowledged Coughlin, whose squad sports a 15-1 record after downing fourth-seeded Greenville, 7-1, on Friday in a Western D semifinal. “Even tough we did well against Buckfield this season (13-1 and 14-1 wins), playing them would have been a big challenge, with both teams having a ton of experience in that game and environment.”

Instead, inexperienced, but muchimproved Rangeley awaits. Coughlin feels his squad has a big advantage.

“When we lost to them, we didn’t hit at all, and two wild pitches, a few walks and three hit batters hurt us … plus we left the bases loaded a couple of times,” said Coughlin. “I am hoping our experience will be to our advantage, plus the girls want revenge for the loss. I expect our best effort, with our seniors wanting to end their careers in style.”

Mound presence

Bobcat fans will see senior hurler Leandra Martin on the mound for Richmond. She was 12-1 this season, with 86 strikeouts and 19 walks in 83 innings pitched.

“Leandra once again had a great season, always in control on the mound,” said Coughlin.

Jamie Plummer (3-0, zero runs allowed with 16 strikeouts and one walk) is the backup pitcher and starting first baseman.

Senior shortstop Danica Hurley had a phenomenal year, hitting .661 with 33 runs scored, 14 RBIs and two home runs.

“The key for us is Danica, our leadoff hitter for four years,” said Coughlin. “Rangeley hasn’t been able to stop her. If she continues to get on base, steal bases, we will be fine.”

And, senior catcher Lindsy Hoopingarner hit .444 during the regular season, with 23 runs scored and 13 RBIs.

Hoopingarner, Hurley and Martin are a combined 60-6 during their high school softball careers, including back-to-back appearances in the State Class D Championship. Both times, the Bobcats faced Deer-Isle Stonington, winning at Brewer, 14-12 in 2010, before falling in 2011, 7-2, at Standish.

“I think it would be great for them to win their third straight Western D title and have another shot at a state championship,” said Coughlin of his seniors. “This is the last class that I taught before I retired, and they are really special to me.”

Clean-up hitter Ciarra Lancaster leads the Bobcats with 21 RBIs, has scored 23 runs and sports a .520 batting average. Brianna Snedeker made the move to second base this season, replacing four-year starter Tara Hurley. She has been solid in the field and produced at the plate to the tune of a .490 batting average, with 28 runs scored and 14 RBIs.

Plummer, the No. 9 hitter, hit .388, scored 15 runs and picked up 12 RBIs, while Alyssa Pearson stands at .326, with 16 runs scored.

“Honestly, of all the teams I have had in my career, this is the best allaround squad,” said Coughlin. “They can hit, bunt, run and is easily the best fielding team that I have had. They just bring the best overall package to the table. Every one of them can play defense, which is special.”

In the outfield, expect Payton Johnson in left, Noell Acord in center and Pearson in right.