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2023 Softball Overview Capsules

rob mccurdy, marion star
·11 min read
Cardington's Ari Simpson swings at a pitch during a Division III state semifinal softball game against Wheelersburg last season in Akron's Firestone Stadium.
Cardington's Ari Simpson swings at a pitch during a Division III state semifinal softball game against Wheelersburg last season in Akron's Firestone Stadium.

Cardington Pirates

  • Conference: Knox Morrow Athletic Conference.

  • Tournament Division: III.

  • Last Year: 25-5, KMAC champs, Division III regional champs.

  • Coach: Tod Brininger (11th season, 229-50).

  • Assistant Coaches: Allen Adams, Joel Partlow, Samantha Brininger, Baylee Adams.

  • Roster: Kadence Ralston, Genevieve Longsdorf, Ava Davis, Kallie Franks, Chloe Nida, Morgan Powerll, Abby Ufferman, Myleigh Bishop, Keely Pearl, Jylliam Hough, Hailey Littlemeyer, Emma Davis, Madison Dornan, Ari Simpson, Zoie Arthur, Kayden Burchett.

  • Notes: Longsdorf and Simpson are two returning starters from a Final Four squad and will be counted on to lead the group ... Pitching and tradition are strengths ... The Pirates will be extremely young with potentially five freshmen starting ... They graduated eight seniors.

  • Comment: "Expectations are that this will be a year with highs and lows," Brininger said. "It will be a rollercoaster until we can get some consistency."

Elgin's Mekena Smith makes it to third base during a softball game at Ridgedale last season.
Elgin's Mekena Smith makes it to third base during a softball game at Ridgedale last season.

Elgin Comets

  • Conference: Northwest Central Conference.

  • Tournament Division: III.

  • Last Year: 13-3, 12-0 in NWCC.

  • Coach: Wendy Muselin (23rd season, 239-249).

  • Assistant Coaches: Dan Bollinger, Summer Tidd.

  • Roster: Alyvia Roth (Sr., P/1B, right-handed, first-team Central District, NWCC Player of the Year), Mekena Smith (Sr., C/RF, RH, HM Central District, first-team NWCC), Kyra Wilcox (Sr., CF, left-handed, first-team NWCC), Ava Baker (Jr., 3B/C, RH, first-team NWCC), Gracie Isler (Jr., 1B/2B, RH, HM NWCC), Katie Penry (Jr., 2B, RH, first-team NWCC), Emilie Bishop (So., SS/C, RH, first-team NWCC), Addison Clevenger (So., 1B, RH), Chloe Atha (So., OF/P, RH), Miley Corbin (Fr., P/OF, RH), Madison Hill (Fr., P/OF, RH), Emma Penry (Fr., OF, RH).

  • Notes: Roth is an experienced ace as a pitcher ... The Comets have seven returning starters and a roster of versatile players ... They need to cut down on the errors in the field ... They want to improve their competitiveness in practice and in games ... Muselin doesn't want her players to settle, but strive to improve ... Katie Yates and Callie Miller graduated, Alexus Rhoades is injured and one other player is not competing this season.

  • Comment: "We see ourselves battling for on of the top three positions in the league," Muselin said of her squad, Ridgedale and Ridgemont.

Highland's Stevie Asher delivers a pitch during a home softball game with Marion Harding last year.
Highland's Stevie Asher delivers a pitch during a home softball game with Marion Harding last year.

Highland Scots

  • Conference: Mid Ohio Athletic Conference.

  • Tournament Division: II.

  • Last Year: 18-5.

  • Coach: Abby Steele.

  • Assistant Coaches: Gar Keen, Scott Watson, Morgan Wilhelm, Gena West, Eric Leprotti.

  • Roster: Jayci Black (Jr.), Guinevere Jackson (Sr., letter), Abby Jordan (Sr., letter), Aubree Bellamy (So.), Bri Tuggle (Jr.), Kelsey Munday (Jr.), Abbi Burke (Sr., letter), Dalaynie Hernandez (Fr.), Kaymi Lewis (Jr.), Kate Clements (Fr.), Nikki Bennett (Jr.), Stevie Asher (Sr., letter).

  • Notes: The four seniors will be counted on to lead a young but talented group this season ... The Scots lost eight to graduation with five of them starters ... This year they have five new juniors, a sophomore and two freshmen on the varsity roster.

  • Comment: "We are looking to utilize the experience from our four returners and add in some new, young talent to progress as a team and be a fighting contender in the MOAC," Steele said.

Marion Harding's Janaiye Braddy winds up during a softball game at Highland last year.
Marion Harding's Janaiye Braddy winds up during a softball game at Highland last year.

Marion Harding Presidents

  • Conference: MOAC.

  • Tournament Division: I.

  • Last Year: 9-19.

  • Coach: Brett McCrery.

  • Assistant Coaches: Joey Biederman, Aspen Backus, Maxxine Pittman.

  • Roster: Ta'Ryah Mason (Sr., RH, 1B/DH, letter), Taryn Simmers (Sr., RH, 3B/OF, letter), Diona Smith (Sr., RH, 3B/OF, letter), Brielle Stone (Sr., RH, OF, letter), Janaiye Braddy (Jr., RH, P/Utility, letter), Khaelyn Mayes (Jr., RH, OF, letter), Kameron Biederman (So., RH, SS/3B, letter, second-team MOAC, led league with six HR and was second in RBI with 30), Abbey Hoertz (SO., throw right, bat left, P/U, letter), Rylee McKinniss (So., RH, C/1B, letter), Addyson Myers (So., RH, 2B/OF, letter), Taylor O'Conner (So., RH, 1B/DH. letter, HM MOAC, led league with 32 RBI), Raina Smith (So., RH, OF, letter), Sheldon Taylor (So., RH, C/3B, letter), Jayden Gates (Fr., RH, P/U).

  • Notes: Despite a young roster, they have a lot of experience ... They graduated pitcher Meredith Gruber, second baseman Kelsey Tefft and outfielder Kamry Thompson ... Senior Taylor Iden is not playing after missing last year with a knee injury so that she can prepare for college soccer at Tiffin ... The pitching is largely unproven ... They want to be better on May 15 than they were on March 15.

  • Comment: "Improvement is our focus and will continue to be our measuring stick for a successful season," McCrery said.

Mount Gilead Indians

  • Conference: KMAC.

  • Tournament Division: IV.

  • Last Year: 6-12.

  • Coach: Morgan Dettra (first season).

  • Assistant Coaches: Phil Heacock, Raygan Walters, Paige Perry, Caleb Dettra.

  • Roster: Alexis Staats (Sr., IF, RH, letter), Greer Simpson (Jr., SS/IF, RH, injured last season, letter), Kierra Main (Jr., OF, throws right, bats left, letter), Savannah Wilt (So., IF/C, RH, letter), Trinity Schrote (So., OF, RH, letter), Emily Mattix (Jr., IF, RH), Maddy Damron (So., OF, throws right, bats left), Hayleigh Brown (Fr., P/IF, RH), Lindsey Ayers (Fr., P/IF/OF, RH), Lillian Ward (Fr., C/IF, RH), Shyla Pruden (Fr., OF, throws left, bats right).

  • Notes: The Indians are willing to learn, give effort and have speed as a team ... They lack experience with just five returnees from last year ... Only six newcomers are joining and two of them are first-time softball players, so depth is an issue ... They lost McKenzie Sidders, Mary Kelty, Molly Murphy, McKennah Bump, Briana Zeger and Mikayla Meyer to graduation and Reza Benson moved.

  • Comment: "Our goals this year are to become disciplines in our fundamentals both defensively and offensively and to see improvement throughout the year," Dettra said.

Northmor's McKenna VanDyke runs out a ground ball to the pitcher during a Division IV district semifinal softball game against Newark Catholic at Pickerington North a year ago.
Northmor's McKenna VanDyke runs out a ground ball to the pitcher during a Division IV district semifinal softball game against Newark Catholic at Pickerington North a year ago.

Northmor Golden Knights

  • Conference: KMAC.

  • Tournament Division: III.

  • Last Year: 12-13.

  • Coach: Matt Wiseman (third season, 25-24).

  • Assistant Coaches: Tidus Kissling, Calli Baver, Morgan Guinther, Lydia Farley.

  • Roster: Emily Zeger (Sr., 1B/2B/C, RH, three letters, .299, .420 on-base, 16 RBI, 23 R), McKenna VanDyke (Sr., OF, three letters, .417, .462 on-base, 18 RBI, 15 R), Taylor Cantrell (Sr., OF, three letters), .361, .439 on-base, 20 RBI, 9 R, HM KMAC), Madison Simpson (Jr., 3B/SS, two letters, .512, .543 on-base, 13 RBI, 22 R, 26 SB, first-team KMAC and Central District), Raelynn Fulk (Jr., SS/P, two letters, .290, .380 on-base, 13 RBI, 27 R, 7 SB), Mahaila Strobel, So., 1B/3B, letter), .419, .494 on-base, 32 RBI, 27 R, second-team KMAC and Central District), Kate Kissling (So., P/2B, letter, .292, .446 on-base, , 17 RBI, 12-10, 4.67, 129 IP, 82 K, second-team KMAC, HM Central District), Katalina Roseberry (SO., CF/SS, letter, .250 on-base, 8 R), Reagan See (So., OF/3B, letter, .225, .262 on-base, 7 RBI, 8 R), Lexi See (So., C), Shelby Cooper (Fr., P/OF/2B).

  • Notes: Nine of 11 players from a year ago return ... The Golden Knights are together and will pick each other up ... They are young in age and some are playing new positions in 2023 ... The league and their schedule will be tough with six of the seven teams making to to the district tournament and four playing for district titles ... They lost Lexi Wenger and Bristyn Yeater to graduation.

  • Comment: "I feel like we are right there. Now we have to take that step," Wiseman said.

North Union Wildcats

  • Conference: Central Buckeye Conference Mad River Division.

  • Tournament Division: III.

  • Last Year: 16-4.

  • Coach: Emily Clark-Lindsey (second season).

  • Assistant Coaches: Steve Allen, Avery Clark.

  • Roster: Jada Davis (Sr., SS/U, RH, letter, SM CBC), Reese DeCamp (Jr., P/1B, RH, letter, first-team CBC), Chailyn Fishbaugh (Sr., OF, RH, letter), Kennedy Harrah (Fr., 2B/U, RH), Cat Hinkle (So., 1B, RH), Jayla Kelley (Sr., OF, hits left, throws like, CBC sportsmanship award, letter), Kale Keighy (Fr., hits left, throws right), Brenna Martino (SO., P/1B, RH, letter), Emma McElroy (Fr. OF, hits left, throws right), Emma Padovano (Jr., OF/RH, letter, first-team CBC), Savannah Queen (Jr., OF, hits left, throws right, letter), Ryleigh Rasey (Jr., C/1B, RH, letter), Cagney Stewart (Sr., C/U, LH, first-team CBC, HM Central District, letter), Laine Sparks (Sr., P/U, RH, first-team CBC, second-team Central District, letter).

  • Notes: The Wildcats return all of their pitchers ... They are loaded with letter winners and strong hitters ... Communication needs to be better ... A couple of freshmen will be in the starting lineup ... They want to average less than one error per game ... They graduated Kayla Sedgwick and Candace Holloway.

  • Comment: Clark-Lindsey said the expectations are to win the conference and get through districts.

Pleasant's Katie Jordan watches a pitch during a home softball game with Ontario last year.
Pleasant's Katie Jordan watches a pitch during a home softball game with Ontario last year.

Pleasant Spartans

  • Conference: MOAC.

  • Tournament Division: III.

  • Last Year: 3-17.

  • Coach: Hannah Wilson (first season).

  • Assistant Coaches: Eric Shirk, Rebekkah Gundy, Kyla Davenport.

  • Roster: Hannah Miller (Jr., C/U, RH, letter), Grace Staley (Sr., P/1B/OF, RH, letter), Katie Jordan (Jr., OF, LH, letter), Sydney Smith (So., 2B, RH, letter), Nicole Robinson (So., OF, RH, letter), Audrey James (Sr., P/1B, RH, letter), Madi Pendleton (SO., SS, RH, letter), Kenzie Patterson (Fr., C/SS, RH), Brooklynn Hohler (Fr., U, RH), Isabella Adkins (So., P/OF, RH, letter), Maddie Ervin (Jr., 1B/3B, RH), Lauren Flinchbaugh (Sr., 1B/3B, RH), Breahna Howard (Fr., C/OF, RH).

  • Notes: The Spartans have decent speed that they hope to use this season ... They are extremely competitive ... The defense has a nice foundation with returnees ... They need to be more consistent in practice and in play ... They need to get better at the little things in softball ... Markley Watters, Madisyn Houseworth and Baylee Howard all graduated ... They will try to improve on last year's record.

  • Comment: Wilson wants her team to take "ownership of each opportunity to play/pracitce. We want to be better as the season goes on and be playing our best softball in May."

Ridgedale's Kenzie Delaney hits the ball during a Division IV district semifinal game against East Knox at Pickerington North last year.
Ridgedale's Kenzie Delaney hits the ball during a Division IV district semifinal game against East Knox at Pickerington North last year.

Ridgedale Rockets

  • Conference: NWCC.

  • Tournament Division: IV.

  • Last Year: 14-5.

  • Coach: Randy Bennett (first season).

  • Assistant Coaches: Tory Bennett, Elisa Pfaff.

  • Roster: Abby Bridges (Sr., P/1B, RH, letter, first-team NWCC, HM Central District), Hanna Mulvaine (Sr., 2B/SS, RH, letter), Katie Collins (Sr., CF, RH, letter), Aubrie Smith (Jr., LF/C, letter, NWCC second team), Lilly Ruth (Jr., SS/CF RH, letter, second-team NWCC), Alexa Garnes (So., OF, RH, letter), Kenzie Delaney (So., P/3B, letter, first-team NWCC, second-team Central District), Brenda Scott (So., OF, RH, letter), Taylor Bouahom (So., OF, LF, letter), Alexis Burton (So., C/1B, LH, letter, second-team NWCC), Annison Jones (Fr., OF, RH), Riley Delaney (Fr., RH), Addi Brooker (Fr., RH).

  • Notes: The Rockets will count experience as a strength with most of the roster seeing quality time last year ... They return both pitchers and have a strong catcher ... The hitting is improved ... They need to stay focused and learn to get through tough innings ... They need to stay healthy ... They lost Emily Mulvaine and Jordyn Nutter to graduation.

  • Comment: "As conference runners-up last year, I would say our first goal is to focus on making that a conference championship this year," Bennett said.

River Valley's Chrissy Vitek hits the ball during a Division II home sectional softball game against Bexley last year.
River Valley's Chrissy Vitek hits the ball during a Division II home sectional softball game against Bexley last year.

River Valley Vikings

  • Conference: MOAC.

  • Tournament Division: II.

  • Last Year: 14-8, 9-5.

  • Coach: Phil Shepler (16th season, 245-104).

  • Assistant Coaches: Katie Jividen, Wes Wooten, Brad Morrow.

  • Roster: Riley Hamm (Sr., three letters, RH, first-team MOAC, second-team Central District, .455, 9 db, 23 RBI, 7 R, 12-8, 2.58, 81 K, 8 BB), Lanie Wooten (Jr., two letters, RH, .377, 9 db, 13 RBI, 17 R, 5-5, 2.71, 57 K, 11 BB), Delaney Myers (Jr., two letters, RH, second-team MOAC, HM Central District, .400, 6 db, 4 HR, 15 RBI, 15 R), Bentley Auld (Jr., two letters, RH, HM Central District, .403, 9 db, 8 RBI, 23 R), Chrissy Vitek (Jr., letter, RH, .255, 11 RBI, 9 R), Addison Braun (So., letter, RH, .339, 9 RBI, 18 R), Sidney Street (So., letter, RH, .276, 7 RBI, 9 R), Alexis Williams (So., letter, RH, 12 R), Samantha Woods (Fr.), Olivia Collins (Fr.), Aleah McCann (Fr.), Kamryn Fowler (Fr.), Olivia Spires (So.).

  • Notes: The Vikings bring back a lot of talented players ... Experience in the pitching circle is a strength ... The defense looks good in the preseason ... They have several travel ball players on the roster, so it a matter of finding their best positions in the field and the batting order to make the team gel ... RV must replace All-Ohio shortstop Shelby Westler as well as Maizie Frank, Emily Radcliff and Harley Brown ... They only have one senior on the roster ... The Vikes need to develop their mental toughness and be more consistent on back-to-back nights in league games ... Among the season's goals are 20-plus wins, a league championship and district title, a team batting average of .410 and an average of 10 hits per game for the team with a third of them going for extra bases.

  • Comment: "I feel like we should be in the mix for a (league) title, but we have to be more consistent night-in, night-out, and last year we did not do that," Shepler said.

This article originally appeared on Marion Star: 2023 Softball Overview Capsules