Advertisement

2024 Softball Preview Capsules: Team-by-team look at the upcoming season in the area

Rob McCurdy, Marion Star
·11 min read

Here are capsule looks at each of the Marion area's high school softball teams as they get ready to compete in the 2024 season:

Cardington Pirates

  • Conference: Knox Morrow Athletic Conference.

  • Coach: Baylee Adams (first season).

  • Assistants: Allen Adams, Joel Partlow, Linda Brininger.

  • Last season: 12-11.

  • Roster: Genevieve Longsdorf (Sr., P, right-handed, first-team KMAC, second-team Central District, .406, .481 on-base, 26 hits, 5 HR, 26 RBI), Alexis Longdorf (Fr., SS/OF, left-handed), Ava Davis (So., IF, RH, .213, .294 on-base, 13 hits, 9 RBI), Hailey Littlemeyer (So., IF, RH, .185, .279 on-base, 10 hits, 6 RBI), Celia Hall (Fr., OF, LH), Myleigh Bishop (So., OF, RH, .176, .232 on-base, 9 hits), Kinstin Henthorn (Jr., baserunner), Chloe Nida (Jr., OF, RH, .111, .238 on-base), Morgan Powell (Jr., OF, RH, .282, .363 on-base, 20 hits, 8 RBI), Abby Ufferman (Sr., 1B, LH, HM KMAC, .266, .329 on-base, 17 hits, 6 RBI), Madison Dornon (So., OF, RH, .125, on-base .208), Ariana Simpson (Jr., P/IF, RH, first-team KMAC, .373, .468 on-base, 25 hits, 2 HR, 15 RBI), Kayden Burchett (So., C, LH, second-team KMAC, .364, .442 on-base, 24 hits, 12 RBI).

  • Notes: Adams was a former Cardington standout who was a key member of the school's dynastic runs to state tournaments ... She now replaces Tod Brininger after his retirement as head coach ... The Pirates will count on Longsdorf in the pitching circle ... After starting five freshmen last year, they have a more experienced group and more depth ... The Pirates lost no one to graduation ... They need to get better on defense and be more aggressive at the plate.

  • Comment: Adams said the goals are to win the KMAC and a district championship as she expects Northmor, Danville and Centerburg to be contenders in the league with the Pirates.

Cardington's Ari Simpson is at the plate in a home softball game against Elgin last season.
Cardington's Ari Simpson is at the plate in a home softball game against Elgin last season.

Elgin Comets

  • Conference: Northwest Central Conference.

  • Coach: Wendy Muselin (24th season, 256-256-1).

  • Assistants: Dan Bollinger, Summer Tidd, Kelly Creviston.

  • Last season: 17-7-1, 12-0, NWCC champs.

  • Roster: Ava Baker (Sr., 3B/C, RH, first-team NWCC, .359, 28 hits, 28 RBI, 9 doubles), Gracie Isler (Sr., 1B, RH, HM NWCC, .387, 26 runs, 29 hits, 20 RBI. 4 doubles), Katie Penry (Sr., 2B, RH, first-team NWCC, .271, 18 runs, 19 hits, 14 RBI), Emilie Bishop (Jr., SS/C, RH, first-team NWCC, .366, 22 runs, 26 hits, 13 RBI, 4 doubles, 2 HR), Addison Clevenger (Jr., 1B, RH), Chloe Atha (So., OF/P, RH, 12 runs), Miley Corbin (So., P/3B, RH, .224, 18 runs, 13 hits, 9 RBI, 1-2, .0.62 ERA, 29 strikeouts, 8 walks), Madison Hill (So., P/OF, RH, .391, 23 runs, 34 hits, 23 RBI, 9 doubles, 2 triples, 2-2, 3.32 ERA, 18 strikeouts, 12 walks), Emma Penry (So., OF/2B, RH, .267, 25 runs), Gracelynn Edmonstone (Fr., OF/C, RH), Maycee Muselin (Fr., OF, switch hitter).

  • Notes: The Comets brings back eight from last year's NWCC championship squad ... They bring back most of their infield, and the young pitchers have some experience ... Pitching stalwart Alyvia Roth graduated along with Kyra Wilcox and Mekena Smith, and all three were uber-productive throughout their long careers ... Some younger players are learning new positions.

  • Comment: Muselin wants her team to compete for another league championship and return to the districts.

Elgin's Ava Baker swings at a pitch during a softball game at Ridgedale last season.
Elgin's Ava Baker swings at a pitch during a softball game at Ridgedale last season.

Highland Scots

  • Conference: Mid Ohio Athletic Conference.

  • Coach: Abby Steele.

  • Assistants: Gar Keen, Steward Squires, Shawn Wilhelm, Morgan Wilhelm.

  • Last season: 14-12, Division II district champs.

  • Roster: Jayci Black (Sr., letter, OF), Aubree Bellamy (Jr., letter, 3B), Kelsey Munday (Sr., letter, P/U), Bri Tuggle (Sr., letter, OF), Bryleigh Young (Jr., letter, OF), Nikki Bennett (Sr., letter, 2B), Lydia Shaffer (So., letter, P/1B), Dalaynie Hernandez (So., letter, 1B/P), Kaymi Lewis (Sr., letter, C), Kate Clements (So., letter, SS/P), Maddy Stuckman (Fr.), Aubree Johnson (Jr.).

  • Notes: The Scots brings back 10 letter winners from last year's Cinderella run to the regional tournament ... The must replace All-Ohio pitcher Stevie Asher and three others whom graduated

  • Comment: "We are looking to utilize the experience from our 10 returners and add in some new, young talent to progress as a team and be a fighting contender in the MOAC and Central District.

The Highland softball team celebrates its Division II district championship it earned last season at Pickerington Central.
The Highland softball team celebrates its Division II district championship it earned last season at Pickerington Central.

Marion Harding Presidents

  • Conference: MOAC.

  • Coach: Brett McCrery (third season, 19-38).

  • Assistants: Joey Biederman, Aspen Backus, Chelsey Donaugh.

  • Last season: 9-19.

  • Roster: Kaydance Hall (Jr., OF, RH), Abbie Hoertz (Jr., IF/OF, throws right, bats left, .482, two letters), Rylee McKinniss (Jr., C/IF, RH, two letters), Raina Smith (Jr., OF< RH, two letters), Janaiye Braddy (Sr., P/IF, RH, three letters), Karisma Brown (So., utility player, RH), Kameron Biederman (Jr., IF/OF, RH, two-time second-team MOAC), Macey Harper (Fr., 1B, RH), Addyson Myers (Jr., 2B, RH, two letters), Jayden Gates (So., P/U, RH).

  • Notes: The Presidents brings back several starters so they have experience and confidence ... They committed in the offseason to improve offensively ... The team's speed is above average, and the defense is solid ... The pitchers need to limit walks, work quickly and throw strikes ... Depth is an issue ... Briettle Stone, Taryn Simmers and Ta'Ryah Mason all graduated, while three others are not playing this spring.

  • Comment: "We strive to be better at the end of the season than we are now," McCrery said. "I suspect that we will be more consistently competitive and have tried to instill those expectations in our girls. Our goal this year is to begin to win some games we aren't 'supposed' to. Putting together a winning record would go a long way in moving the program forward."

Marion Harding's Kameron Biederman gets set on defense during a softball game at Highland last season.
Marion Harding's Kameron Biederman gets set on defense during a softball game at Highland last season.

Mount Gilead Indians

  • Conference: KMAC.

  • Coach: Morgan Dettra (second season, 3-19).

  • Last season: 3-19.

  • Roster: Greer Simpson (second-team Central District, first-team KMAC), Kierra Main (HM Central Disrtict, HM KMAC), Aris Creseap, Kamryn Harris, Kylie Rigdon, Anavey Jodrey, Avery Johnson.

  • Notes: The Indians lost one to graduation from a year ago ... Dettra wants to increase their wins for 2024 ... Mount Gilead needs to perform better on defense ... They are a young team again and look for it to be another rebuilding season.

  • Comment: "The KMAC conference is very heavily stacked with tough opponents. We look at all teams to be very competitive," Dettra said.

Look back at last year's preview Softball Overview: Elgin, Ridgedale expected to battle in NWCC

Look back at last year's softball caps: 2023 Softball Overview Capsules

Northmor Golden Knights

  • Conference: KMAC.

  • Coach: Matt Wiseman (fifth season, 39-35).

  • Assistants: Tidus Kissling, Jake Ulrey, Morgan Guinther.

  • Last season: 16-9.

  • Roster: Madison Simpson (Sr., 3B, RH, three letters, .482, .521 on-base, .894 slugging, 41 hits, 13 doubles, 4 HR, 27 RBI, 7 steals, first-team KMAC, HM Central District), Raelyn Fulk (Sr., SS, RH, three letters, .250, .308 on-base, 18 hits, 4 doubles, 15 RBI, 7 steals), Brooklyn Kissling (Sr., U, two letters), Saje Miley (Sr., IF, two letters), Kate Kissling (Jr., P/IF, .333, .462 on-base, .569 slug, 24 hits, 4 HR, 19 RBI, 10-6, 2.09 ERA, second-team KMAC), Mahalla Strobel (Jr., OF/3B, two letters, .377, .422 on-base, .649 slugging, 29 hits, 3 HR, 28 RBI, 26 runs, second-team KMAC), Katalina Roseberry (Jr., 2B/OF, two letters, .167, .362 on-base, 5 steals), Reagan See (Jr., OF, two letters, .233, .340 on-base), Alexis See (Jr., C, letter, .242, .297 on-base), Shelby Cooper (So., P/U, letter, .184, 5-3, 2.09 ERA, 76 strikeouts), Madi See (Fr., C/IF), Kallie Wright (Fr., CF), Maddie May (Jr.), Saleen Miller (Jr.), Kendal Fulk (So.), Ava Walters (Fr.).

  • Notes: The Golden Knights are a veteran group with lots of experience and talent ... They will lean on their pitching and outfield play to carry them this year ... They are expected to hit better by cutting down on strikeouts and be more efficient at the plate. ... They need to play with passion ... They must replace All-KMAC performers Emily Zeger, Taylor Contrell and McKenna VanDyke.

  • Comment: According to Wiseman, the goals are to play for a KMAC championship and a sectional title.

Northmor's Kate Kissling delivers a pitch during a softball district semifinal game at Pickerington North two years ago.
Northmor's Kate Kissling delivers a pitch during a softball district semifinal game at Pickerington North two years ago.

North Union Wildcats

  • Conference: Central Buckeye Conference Mad River Division.

  • Coach: Pat Grove (first season).

  • Assistants: Steve Allen, Madison Wedding, Alyson Blunk.

  • Last season: 20-5, 13-3.

  • Roster: Kailin McElroy (Fr., LH, C/3B), Zoe Wedding (Sr., RH, IF), Brenna Martino (Jr., RH, P/OF, letter), Savannah Queen (Sr., LH, OF, letter), Emma Padavano (Sr., RH, IF/OF, letter), Rylee Fox (Fr., RH, IF), Cat Hinkle (So., RH, IF, letter), Reese DeCamp (Sr., RH, P/1B, letter, All-CBC), Sierra Farrington (So., RH, OF/P), Emma McElroy (So., LH, OF, letter), Kate Keigley (So., LH, OF, letter, All-CBC), Shelby Cowgill (So., RH, IF/C), Kennedy Harrah (So., RH, IF, letter), Caralyn Hinkle (Fr., RH, IF), Ryleigh Rasey (Sr., RH, IF/C, letter, All-CBC).

  • Notes: Grove is a long-time travel ball coach ... Pitching, defense and speed are counted on as strengths of the team ... The Wildcats graduated four all-league performers, but bring back three for 2024 ... There are nine letter winners returning.

  • Comment: Grove said the goal is to win the league and reset the goals before the start of the tournament.

North Unoin's Reese DeCamp delivers a pitch during a district championship softball game at Pickerington Central last year.
North Unoin's Reese DeCamp delivers a pitch during a district championship softball game at Pickerington Central last year.

Pleasant Spartans

  • Conference: MOAC.

  • Coach: Hannah Wilson (second season, 1-18).

  • Assistants: Eric Shirk, Josie Duncan.

  • Last season: 1-18.

  • Roster: Hannah Miller (Sr., C, RH, HM MOAC, .356, 18 RBI), Katie Jordan (Sr., OF, switch hitter, 18 steals, .507 on-base, .306), Madi Pendleton (Jr., OF/SS, RH, letter), Sydney Smith (Jr., 2B, RH, letter), Nicole Robinson (Jr., OF, RH, letter), Kenzie Patterson (So., C, RH, letter), Isabella Adkins (Jr., P, RH, letter), Avery Malcom (Sr., U, RH, letter), Faith Staley (Fr.), Quinn Wilson (Fr.), Peyton Simpkins (Fr.), Kylie Eastep (Fr.).

  • Notes: The Spartans have more depth and a higher softball IQ this season ... They are fast as a team, and they have a competitive nature ... With just three seniors, they are still relatively young ... They need to stay healthy throughout the season ... They lost Audrey James, Grace Staley and Lauren Flinchbaugh to graduation.

  • Comment: Wilson would like to see her team improve to a .500 record in the league with more consistent play, plus win a game in the tournament.

Pleasant's Sydney Smith scores a run during a softball game at home against Shelby last season.
Pleasant's Sydney Smith scores a run during a softball game at home against Shelby last season.

Ridgedale Rockets

  • Conference: NWCC.

  • Coach: Austin Riegel (first season).

  • Assistants: Jerry Delaney, Tamara Rossey.

  • Last season: 14-4, 10-2.

  • Roster: Lilly Ruth (Sr., SS/CF/C, RH, first-team NWCC, .508), Aubrie Smith (Sr., LF/C, RH, first-team NWCC, .400), Kenzie Delaney (Jr., P/3B, RH, first-team NWCC, .632), Alexis Burton (Jr., C/OF/1B, RH, second-team NWCC, .434), Alexa Garnes (Jr., 2B/OF, RH, letter), Brenda Scott (Jr., 1B, RH, HM NWCC, .273), Taylor-Raye Bouahom (Jr., CF, LH, letter), Riley Delaney (So., 3B/2B, RH, .321), Audra Rush (Fr., RF/2B/P, RH), Madeline Webb (Fr., RF/3B/P, RH), Maddison Malone (Fr., RF, RH), Adyson Thomas (Fr., OF/2B, RH), Emma Mattix (Fr., RF, RH).

  • Notes: With Delaney in the circle, the Rockets have an unquestioned ace ... Ridgedale hits well and moves runners around ... They enjoy a good team chemistry and own lots of experience ... The newcomers are fitting in well ... Riegel takes over for longtime head coach Rick Ferguson ... They lack depth behind Delaney at pitcher ... With only 12 on the roster, depth is an issue ... They must also replace three productive players in Abigail Bridges, Katie Collins and Hanna Mulvaine who all graduated.

  • Comment: "Our goal is to win the NWCC conference this year. We also expect to grow the program and get some experience under some younger girls' belts. The favorite to win the league is Elgin. We believe that we can play with Elgin and compete for that NWCC championship," Riegel said.

Ridgedale's Lilly Ruth runs to first base during a home softball game with Elgin last year.
Ridgedale's Lilly Ruth runs to first base during a home softball game with Elgin last year.

River Valley Vikings

  • Conference: MOAC.

  • Coach: Phil Shepler (17th season, 265-110).

  • Assistants: Katie Jividen, Wes Wooten, Brad Morrow.

  • Last season: 20-6, 12-2, MOAC co-champs.

  • Roster: Chrissy Vitek (Sr., two letters, .250, .413 on-base, 9 runs, 9 RBI), Brooke Adams (So.), Delaney Myers (Sr., three letters, .440, .750 slugging, 30 runs, 22 RBI, second-team MOAC and Central District), Olivia Collins (So., letter, injured for 2024), Kamryn Fowler (So., letter, 14 runs), Lanie Wooten (Sr., three letters, .437, .621 slugging, 23 runs, 19 RBI, 10-2, 101 strikeouts, 16 walks, 1.40 ERA, second-team All-Ohio, first-team MOAC), Samantha Woods (So., letter, .342, .479 slugging, 24 runs, 15 RBI), Addison Braun (Jr., two letters, .347, .387 slugging, 21 runs, 13 RBI), Alexis Williams (Jr., two letters, .182, .479 on-base-plus-slugging, 13 runs), Olivia Spires (Jr., letter, .400, .600 slugging), Sidney Street (Jr., two letters), .338, .416 slugging, 18 runs, 23 RBI, HM MOAC), Bentley Auld (Sr., three letters, .354, .451 slugging, 21 runs, 17 RBI).

  • Notes: The Vikings are coming off a conference-winning season where they won 20 games ... They bring back eight starters, losing Riley Hamm to graduation and Liv Collins to an ACL tear in the fall ... They have an All-Ohio pitcher who will be backed by Street when needed ... They need to keep up consistent play, especially in the back-to-back league-game format used by the MOAC ... The Vikes need more production throughout the lineup ... A lack of depth is a concern so they need to remain healthy ... The goals are to win 20 or more games, take an MOAC title, bat .400 as a team and put together errorless games.

  • Comment: "I like our chances to be in the mix again this year," Shepler said.

River Valley's Delaney Myers hits the ball in a home softball game against Shelby last year.
River Valley's Delaney Myers hits the ball in a home softball game against Shelby last year.

rmccurdy@gannett.com

419-610-0998

X @McMotorsport

Instagram @rob_mccurdy_star

This article originally appeared on Marion Star: 2024 Marion-Area Softball Preview Capsules: A look at each team