Licking County softball standouts play stress-free on tight-knit summer teams
PICKERINGTON — The USSSA Pride Red ‘25/26 softball team had a rough holiday weekend in Indianapolis, finishing an uncharacteristic 1-3-1. A rebound was due.
With a rare chance to play essentially at home (all of the team's players are from central Ohio), the Pride quickly gained redemption as they won their four 16U Premier Division pool games heading into Sunday’s bracket play during the Ohio Stingrays College Showcase at Pickerington Central.
In an era when travel teams draw from anywhere and everywhere, most members of the Pride have been together for several seasons.
“It’s awesome. We get along together so well,” Johnstown sophomore Addy Zak said. “We have played together so long. We know what to expect out of each other, so the trust is there. That really helps with our chemistry, and we just have a lot of fun.”
Zak is one of five Licking County players on the team.
Newark Catholic sophomore Veronica Bailey fired a one-hit four-inning shutout in Saturday’s 10-0 against the Pittsburgh Lady Roadrunners 16U. She is joined on the team by twin sister Joanna. Watkins Memorial juniors Kendal Tellings and Grace Whitman each had RBI hits.
Tellings also pitched a five-inning four-hitter in a 3-1 victory against the Michigan Generals 16U earlier on Saturday.
“We have energy, positivity, hyping everyone up. If you don’t do well one game, your team is always backing you up,” said Tellings, who was Watkins' primary pitcher during the fall when Carsyn Cassady was hurt.
“In school ball, I felt I was more stressed,” added Tellings. “In summer ball, I feel more in place. It’s a little bit different. I am with these girls all of the time. I just love being around everyone.”
The Lightning Fastpitch ‘06 also has Licking County roots and wrapped up pool play 2-2 with a 4-2 victory against the Indiana Gators Premier 16U Grayson. Watkins assistant coach Kyle Snider started the Lightning six years ago with Jason Chevalier, and three original players, including Watkins junior Carlie Taggart, remain.
Licking Heights junior Ava VonBargen walked and scored the game’s first run in the first inning. She also made two putouts in center field.
“We have all been playing together for a long time, like growing up together, so there definitely is a connection on the field that helps our confidence and our attitudes,” VonBargen said. “You are always battling to be the best at your position to better yourself and the people around you.”
Heights junior Lily Meidl enjoyed a breakout sophomore season during the spring, hitting .450 and driving in 20 runs for the Hornets, earning Licking County League-Buckeye Division honors. She hits in the middle of the Lightning's order and shares the catching duties.
“This is definitely a better level of tournament than we have been in this summer, and we are doing pretty well,” Meidl said. “I was pretty surprised how I did hitting-wise (during the spring). It definitely gave me more confidence.”
Varsity experience at the 16U level is especially impactful as many of the players are entering their sophomore or junior seasons, and most have it for the Pride.
Veronica Bailey shared the pitching duties for NC during the spring, and she and Joanna each were important offensive contributors during the Green Wave’s run to a Division IV district title.
“It just gives me a lot more confidence,” Veronica Bailey said. “In varsity, I played well, and it helped prepare me for my travel season. In high school ball, everyone was positive and backing me up, and it’s the same in travel ball. I have a whole defense behind me.”
The Pride, who received three hits and two RBIs apiece from New Albany's Izzy White and Zoe Oakleaf against the Roadrunners, wrap up their summer with a trip to suburban Nashville, Tennessee, for the Music City World Series.
The Lightning have a strong Fairfield County presence with Lancaster’s Emalene Chevalier and Lily Stoughton, Liberty Union’s Suzie Shultz, who doubled in a run in Saturday’s win and Fisher Catholic’s Vanessa Funk, who had a hit in each of the Lightning’s two games on Saturday.
The Lightning finish their summer in Spartanburg, South Carolina, next weekend for the USA East Coast Nationals.
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This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Licking County softball standouts play stress-free on summer teams
