Q&A with Shana Girouard and Amanda Tremblay
Q: How does this year’s team compare to last year’s state championship team?
Girouard: I think we are about the same team. We have just as much talent as last year, and we are just as close.
Tremblay: We are about the same as last year, if not closer.

Q: What are your team’s strengths?
Girouard: Our strength I would have to say is our extreme defense. I don’t worry whether someone is going to catch the ball because I have no doubts about it. We (also) have some powerful hitters, which helps a ton.
Tremblay: Offensively we have ups and downs, but defensively we're in tip top shape.

Q: Except for a couple of games, you’ve beaten everyone pretty easily. What do you think sets your team apart from the rest of the division?
Girouard: I think the thing that sets us apart from other teams is our strength on the field and at the plate. We rarely have a bad inning.
Tremblay: What sets us apart from other teams is that we play as a team. What I've observed from the other teams is that they don't get along, which really hurts them during the games.

Q: How have you managed to stay focused throughout the season with many of the games being so lopsided?

Girouard: We all realize that if we get cocky, we will blow the whole season. Also we have each other to keep us down to earth.

Tremblay: As funny as it sounds, it's pretty hard sometimes because we pretty much go into every game already knowing the outcome.

Q: I understand you and your teammates have taken a lot of criticism about playing slow-pitch. Where do you get it from and what do they say?
Girouard: Yes, I have been criticized a lot. I hear it from the boys baseball teams, friends, teachers, and almost everyone I meet.
Tremblay: Yes, I hear it sometimes from people at school, because nobody cares. They don't even ask us if we win anymore.

Q: What is your response to those criticisms?
Girouard: I tell them if they think it’s an easy sport, why don't they play?
Tremblay: I just tell them they’re jealous that the team gets along so well. I also ask them why they are criticizing us when they don't even play a sport at Tolman.

Q: Can you talk about how much time and preparation you and your teammates have put into each season to achieve the success that you have?
Girouard: Well, most of us on the team have played either baseball or softball, and we all know the game very well. We are all very dedicated players and are determined to have the same record as last year.
Tremblay: We do a lot of fundraising together which makes us closer, because we can count on each other for anything.

Q: Since this will be Tolman’s last slow-pitch team, how important is it to you that the team end off with another state championship?
Girouard: I think it would be extremely awesome and we would just be so overwhelmed with joy.
Tremblay: It's very important to me because I'm a senior and want to end the year and last year of slow-pitch on a good note.

Q: How do you feel about Tolman switching to fast-pitch next year?
Girouard: I think it would be a great idea. I have always wanted to play fast-pitch.
Tremblay: I think it will be a great way to become better players with more of a challenge.

Q: What, if any, experience do you or any of your teammates already have in fast-pitch, and what do you think will be important factors in your team making the transition?
Girouard: Most of us have experience in baseball. We really need to stay focused and mentally prepared for next year.
Tremblay: Most of my teammates play for the Pawtucket Slaterettes girls baseball league, but that's as close as it gets. (Important factors will include) being able to still play together as a team, and working on their pitching and hitting skills.

Q: Shana, since you are a junior, how do you feel knowing that your last high school season could conceivably end up being a rebuilding year since the team is switching? Are you alright with that?
Girouard: It really doesn't bother me because most of the people on the team play baseball. We will be judging next year at tryouts differently than we ever have before. I’m almost excited.