By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

High school softball team previews for the 2026 season.

AURORA GREENMEN

Head Coach: Sam Petrash, 9th year, 135-43 career record.

Coaching Staff: Rob Kennedy, Jeff Fejes, Julie Zidones, Katie Kennedy.

2025 Record: 26-3 overall, 14-0 Suburban League American Conference.

Returning Letterwinners (5): Lailah Bohanan, Abby Dalessandro, Charlotte Sorma, Addison Witting, Lila Bultrowicz.

Letterwinners Lost (7): Summer Collis, Julia Miller, Sophie Petrash, Avery Qualters, Sophie Retton, Sophie Schechterman, Rayna Unverferth.

Season Outlook: “We have a lot of new faces behind our returning players, but feel they are ready to make an impact,” head coach Sam Petrash said. “Our expectations do not change. We expect our defense to support our pitching much like it did last year. We expect our offense to produce like we did last year.”

Infield: Reese Witting will be at first base, with Petrash saying that the tall sophomore handles the position well and can hit for power.

Charlotte Sorma, who has committed to play at Lake Erie College, moves to second base after playing right field last year.

“She has quick feet and a quick transition.”

Sorma hit .366 last year and scored 25 runs, while driving in 13.

Addison Witting also moves to the infield this year after playing in the outfield a year ago. She will start at shortstop. A year ago, she hit .429 at the plate.

“She has good range, is fast and is intense.”

Youngstown State University commits Lila Bultrowicz will be at third base. She hit .390 last year and hit three home runs, along with 25 RBI and 20 runs scored.

Also expected to see time in the infield for Aurora are Kerrigan Riley, Charlie Monday and Tommi McGinnis.

Outfield: Lailah Bonanan was a dynamic player a year ago and has committed to Youngstown State University. She hit .690, with 10 doubles, three triples, 39 RBI and 43 runs scored in 2025.

Abby Dalessandro, a senior returns to the sport after lettering as a freshman.

“She hits for contact and power.”

Marissa Embrescia, a speedy senior, who Petrash said makes great reads on the ball, along with freshman Zoey Drozda, as well as Kara Sawicki and Jordyn Matousek, are also expected to add depth to the outfield.

Catcher: Sophomore Rachel Devenish steps into a starting role behind the plate.

“She works hard and develops fast. She has great pop times and a strong beat.”

Pitching: Sophomore Ruby Sorma and freshman Abbie Ferree are the core of the rotation.

“Both have done a great job accelerating their development and will help our success this year.”

Team Captains: Lailah Bohanan, Charlotte Sorma and Addison Witting.

Underclassmen to Watch: Rachel Devenish, soph.; Ruby Sorma, soph.; Abbie Ferree, fresh.; Reese Witting, soph.; Kerrigan Riley, soph.; Charlie Monday, soph.; Zoey Drozda, fresh.

Area of Strength: “Our team chemistry and genuine desire for team success. The strength of our upperclassmen and their willingness to teach our younger players about our culture is unmatched from previous years. They prepare and play hard while having fun bringing a good balance to our program.”

Cause for Concern: “None. We are preparing and playing hard, which is what we ask for in our program.”

CRESTWOOD RED DEVILS

Head Coach: Matthew Helm, 5th year (3rd at Crestwood), 33-69 career record (15-25 at Crestwood).

Coaching Staff: Eric Davis, Samantha Toke.

2025 Record: 5-16 overall, 1-8 Chagrin Valley Conference.

Returning Letterwinners (7): Serena Wright, sr.; Audrey Julian, sr.; Rylie Duval-Chambers, jr.; Grace Harper, jr.; Keli Lee, jr.; Abby Hayes, jr.; Bella Stier, soph.

Letterwinners Lost (2): Kayleigh Helm, Hailey Desatnik.

Infield: The team’s anchors are Abby Hayes and Bella Stier.

Hayes, who plays third base, earned All-District and All-Chagrin Valley Conference honors last year.

At shortstop, Stier was also All-District and All-CVC.

Rylie Duval-Chambers will start at first base and Keli Lee will be at second base.

Adding depth as backups are Jillian Hayes and Jocelyn Johnson.

Outfield: Serena Wright, Audrey Julian and Hailey Pesarchick will start.

Wright in left field, Julian in center and Pesarchik in right.

Julian was named All-CVC after a strong season a year ago.

Catcher: Two freshmen will split time behind the plate in Jocelyn Johnson and Jillian Hayes.

Pitcher: Grace Harper will be the team’s primary pitcher. She was named All-District and All-CVC last season.

Underclassmen to Watch: Hailey Pesarchick, Jocelyn Johnson, Jillian Hayes, Ava Macik, Taylor Lovejoy, Gracelin Hampton.

Area of Strength: “The youth players we have coming in,” head coach Matthew Helm said. “They will challenge our returners and bring a lot of energy. Also, having upward of six pitchers who could see time starting or relieving will be big for us as well.”

Cause for Concern: “It will always be staying healthy and getting everyone to jell together and work as a team every pitch.”

FIELD FALCONS

Head Coach: Beth Dyer, 20th year, 372-111.

Coaching Staff: Bob Bauer, Dan Battaglia, Joe DeLeone.

2025 Record: 22-8 overall, 13-1 Metro Athletic Conference.

Returning Letterwinners (4): Averi Weis, sr.; Lilli Sutkowy, sr.; Addy Lay, sr.; Sophia Roberts, sr.;

Letterwinners Lost (9): Maddie Burge, Tia Ulrich, Kailyn Gressman, Olivia Dyer, Mckayla Miller, Jessica Pollard, Cassidy Wells, Abby Harlin, Delilah Rahe.

Season Outlook: “We may be an inexperienced team, but we’re focused on learning and getting better each time we practice and step on the field, veteran coach Beth Dyer said. “The effort and determination from everyone gives us confidence that we’ll keep improving as the season goes on.

“We are an inexperienced team, but led by a strong senior class.  he team has been working hard and eager to carry on the tradition of winning.”

Infield: Bre Homan will move into a starting role at third base. Dyer said of her sophomore, “She has shown poise at the hot corner.”
Another sophomore, Allison Barton, will be at shortstop, paired with junior Gracie Hoskin at second base to form the team’s middle infield.

“Both are good middle infielders who work well together and demonstrate good hands and footwork.”

Lilli Sutkowy is the starter at first base and will be one of the team’s veteran and strong hitters at the plate. Backing up Sutkowy at first base is sophomore Julianna Baker.

“Both have good footwork around the bag.”

Outfield: Addy Lay is the team’s anchor in the outfield.

“She has speed, a great arm and is able to cover a lot of ground.”

Sophia Roberts, along with junior Sienna Amos and freshmen Ashlynn Logsdon and Ryann Huddleston, will also see time in the outfield.

Catcher: Averi Weis returns as the team’s starter.

“She’s a physically strong catcher, who handles pitchers well, has a powerful arm and great control of the game behind the plate. Her experience is invaluable.”

Pitching: Stepping into the circle for the first time as the team’s No. 1 is junior Adrianna Berry.

“She has shown a great work ethic in the off-season and is eager to learn. She is a strong pitcher with great control and consistency.”

Amos is also expected to get an opportunity for innings.

Team Captains: Averi Weis, Lilli Sutkowy, Sophia Roberts, Addy Lay.

Underclassmen to Watch: Allison Barto, soph.; Bre Homan, soph.; Julianna Baker, soph.; Ashlynn Logsdon, fresh.; Ryann Huddleston, fresh.

GARFIELD G-MEN

Head Coach: Tina Faulhaber, 17th year, 212-127-1 career record.

Coaching Staff: Shelby Baughman, Keary Knerem, Dan Peterson, Mark Bailey.

2025 Record: 9-8 overall, 4-6 MVAC.

Returning Letterwinners (7): Annie Rado, sr.; Kaelyn Tasker, sr.; Madi Seiler, jr.; Charlee Hill, jr.; Emily Knerem, soph.; Brooke Hrabak, soph.; Olivia Bailey, soph.

Letterwinners Lost (2): Kolbey Fresch, Juliana Genovese.

Season Outlook: “We have high expectations with returning so many starters,” head coach Tina Faulhaber said. “We have experience at every position, along with new energy and attitude.”

Infield: Brooke Hrabak and Payton Soltis will be the starters at the middle infield positions.

“Both have many reps at second and shortstop and have a lot of range, speed and hustle.”

Emily Knerem will also get time at second and short when she is not catching.

Diamond Dyson will start at third base when she is not catching, while Olivia Bailey will also receive innings at third base when not pitching.

Annie Rado, who also may pitch some, will be the starter at first base.

Outfield: The starting positions are locked down by Kaelyn Tasker, Madi Seiler and Charlee Hill.

“They have tons of speed and the confidence that comes with experience.”

Adding depth is Ella Kissel, who is “ready to make her mark,” according to Faulhaber.

Catcher: Knerem and Dyson will share the duties.

“They have solid arms and an incredible knowledge of the game”

Pitching: Bailey will receive the majority of the innings.

“She has good speed and a nice catalog of pitches.”

Joining her will be Rado, who is a lefty.

“Annie’s movement and variation keep hitters off-guard.”

Underclassmen to Watch: Payton Soltis, soph.; Laney Cales, fresh.

Area of Strength: “Our experience and team chemistry.”

Cause for Concern: “There is a lot of returning competition in the league.”

KENT ROOSEVELT ROUGH RIDERS

Head Coach: Jay Weiss, 1st year.

Coaching Staff: Megan Pettipiece.

2025 Record: 4-16 overall, 2-12 Suburban League American Conference.

Returning Letterwinners (7): Katlyn Ciolek, sr.; Aubrey Henry, sr.; Skylar Lauck, sr.; Brynn Moser, sr.; Kamia Walker, sr.; Lily Robb, jr.; Jillian Smith, soph.

Letterwinners Lost (6): Brooke Binder, Graysen Butcher, Avery Gates, Claire Satola, Devin Stohovich, Addison Vintson.

Season Outlook: “We are fortunate to have six experienced seniors leading the way, including our top-two pitchers and our starting catcher,” said first-year head coach Jay Weiss. “It is a great group of young players, who I am proud to work with.

“They bring great effort and energy to every practice and are eager to learn.”

Infield: Skylar Lauck returns for her fourth year as a starter, but will be making the shift from third base to second base this season.

“She was one of our top hitters last season, and we are expecting even bigger this this season.”

At first base, Katlyn Ciolek, who is a strong hitter with power, will be the starter. Adding depth, and player who could eventually receive innings, are freshman Eden Craver-Dean and senior Adrianna Poole.

“Eden is a lefty and a natural first baseman, who is strong defensively and improving daily with the bat. Adrianna may also see time in the outfield, but she has the potential to have a strong bat with power.”

The starter at third base is Aubrey Henry, who Weiss said has “worked hard and is dedicated.”

“We are impressed by her strong and accurate throwing arm and improving bat.”

Sophomore Jillian Smith is moving from second base to shortstop this year.

“Jill has good range and a strong arm as well. With a year under her belt, we are very optimistic that she will be one of our top hitters.”

Junior Ja’Hayla Jones is described by Weiss as the team’s “ace in the hole.”

“She is capable of playing second base, shortstop and third base. She is a natural leader with great heart and determination.”

Outfield: The team’s lone returning starter is Kamia Walker.

“She is a switch hitter with good speed and excellent base-running skills. If she is healthy, she is slated to be our lead-off hitter.”

Freshman Emelia Gates has also earned a starting role in the outfield.

“She has been extremely impressive both at the plate and with her glove. She possesses one of the stronger arms on the team.”

Savannah Vintson is also in the  mix as an important player, with her outstanding speed and threat at the plate.

Additionally, Poole, Dean, Henry and freshman Addy Dunlap could also see time in the outfield.

Catcher: Lily Robb returns as the team’s starting catcher.

“She has good receiving skills with a strong accurate arm and is excellent at blocking pitches in the dirt. We are also expecting a breakout season at the plate this season.”

Two freshmen will serve as the team’s backups in Addy Dunlap and Razia Ahmed.

Pitchers: Brynn Moser, Ciolek and freshman Taliyah Dukes will be the team’s pitchers this season.

“Brynn recently signed with Hiram College. She will be our ace, and she is extremely competitive and is a natural leader.”

Ciolek is an experienced No. 2.

Team Captains: Brynn Moser, Skylar Lauck, Ja’Hayla Jones.

Underclassmen to Watch: Emilia Gates, fresh.; Savannah Vintson, jr.; Addy Dunlap, fresh.; Eden Craver-Dean, fresh.; Ja’Hayla Jones, jr.

Area of Strength: “Our senior leadership, positive attitude and willingness to learn are all positives. Having experienced pitchers in Moser and Ciolek and a returning starting catcher in Robb, as well as a four-year starter in Lauck is a great foundation for success.”

Cause for Concern: “Health is always is a concern. Walker has a knee injury, and we have a couple girls right now with sore shoulders and Lauck is battling back and ankle soreness.”

MOGADORE WILDCATS

Head Coach: Calee Lung, 1st year.

Coaching Staff: Leslie Smith.

2025 Record: 16-3 overall, 10-0 Portage Trail Conference.

Returning Letterwinners (9): MJ Shellenbarger, sr.; Rylee Clark, sr.; Peyton Walker, sr.; Jayden Miller, sr.; McKenna Clark, jr.; Tali Bartholomew, soph.; Morgen Smith, soph.; Autumn Betts, soph.; Layla Funk, soph.

Letterwinners Lost (3): Addie Christy, Lily Hotchkiss, Gracie Funk.

Season Outlook: “I have high expectations for this season,” first-year head coach Calee Lung. “We are all going into the season with winning attitudes and I am excited to get started and have a great first year.”

Infield: The Wildcats’ will be led by MJ Shellenbarger at third base and Peyton Walker at second base.

“MJ has a solid arm, and I expect her to be a wall. Peyton will be our commanding voice and leader in the infield.”

Outfield: Rylee Clark returns as the team’s starter in center.

“With her speed, I expect her to cover a tremendous amount of ground.”

Catcher: Jayden Miller is another returning starter and has a solid skill-set and arm.

Pitching: Tali Bartholomew will be the team’s top arm.

“She has great movement and many pitches. She has one of the best work ethics I’ve seen in a player. I expect her to play at the next level, as well.”

Underclassmen to Watch: Tali Bartholomew, soph.; Morgen Smith, soph.; Autumn Betts, soph.; Layla Funk, soph.; McKenna Clark, jr.

Area of Strength: “I have been preaching since day one that communication is key, we have a great group of girls who have bonded well — and from coaching history that is an unteachable positive thing to have within a team.”

Cause for Concern: “We have quite a few underclassmen and with that comes mistakes due to lack of experience in game time situations. Once we get going, I feel we will adjust well.”

RAVENNA RAVENS

Head Coach: Luke Darrah, 25th year overall (2nd at Ravenna), 327-247 career record (11-12 at Ravenna).

Coaching Staff: Jeff Kurtz, Christine LoVerde.

2025 Record: 11-12 overall, 5-9 Metro Athletic Conference.

Returning Letterwinners (7): Mallory Sterba, sr.; Kasey Sterba, jr.; Coeli Simms, jr.; Alivia Dailey, soph.; Jocelynn Smallwood, soph.; Savanna McKeown, soph.; Layla Dorris, soph.

Letterwinners Lost (3): Whitney Holmes, Jocelyn Impiccini, Shyanna Dillbeck.

Season Outlook: “We are a team this year that has a mix of experience and inexperience,” veteran coach Luke Darrah said.

Infield: The middle infielders will be Savanna McKeown, Kasey Sterba and Jocelynn Smallwood.

McKeown hit .297 last year, with 14 RBI; Kasey Sterba hit .321; and Smallwood scored 25 runs and had 29 hits with a .420 average.

At third base, Layla Dorris and Coeli Simms will share time.

First base will be split by freshman Jordan Trego and Alivia Dailey.

Outfield: Kasey Sterba and Dailey could see time in the outfield, as well, while Darrah said the rest of his team’s outfield spots are undecided.

Catcher: Mallory Sterba returns for her fourth year as a starter.

A year ago, Sterba hit .442 and drove in 13.

Pitching: Trego, Smallwood and McKeown all will be part of the rotation this season.

Team Captain: Mallory Sterba.

Underclassmen to Watch: Jordan Trego, fresh.; Jocelynn Smallwood, soph.; Kasey Sterba, jr.; Savanna McKeown, soph.

Area of Strength: “Our pitching, catching and middle infield.”

Cause for Concern: “We have very little experience in our outfield, as well as low numbers on the roster.”

ROOTSTOWN ROVERS

Head Coach: Paige Byers, 5th year, 75-33 career record.

Coaching Staff: Taylor Shepherd, Aleena Laney, Abby White.

2025 Record: 12-8 overall, 5-2 Portage Trail Conference.

Returning Letterwinners (9): Katie Sisley, sr.; Kaitlyn Hammerschmidt, sr.; Reise Thomas, sr.; Makensea Bittner, sr.; Madison Giebel, sr.; Lilly Kamenash, jr.; Izzy Luli, jr.; Morgan Giebel, soph.; Sophia Byers, soph.

Letterwinners Lost (3): Grace Luli, Allie Smith, Sasha Nichols.

Season Outlook: “Our team is going to be competitive every game,” head coach Paige Byers said. “We have a solid group of returners to lead us on the field. They have stepped into their roles and have shown the underclassman the traditions of our program.

“Being part of the new league with great competition is exciting, and we look to be at the top of it. Translating our success into the post season is a continuing goal as we want to make a deeper run.”

Infield: The Rovers have talent across the infield, but are led by Reise Thomas.

“Her experience, speed and knowledge of the game allows her to lead at middle infield.”

Thomas was the team’s leader in hits last season with 30.

Kaitlyn Hammerschmidt and Izzy Luli will be the starters at the corners.

“Both have great arms and are interchangeable.”

Sophia Byers will see time at second base.

“Her range adds coverage on the right side.”

Freshman Cheyenne Cutright will also push for time at shortstop.

Outfield: Katie Sisley will be the anchor in the outfield when she is not pitching.

Morgan Giebel will be a starter, along with Byers and Cutright also seeing time.

“Morgan has a strong arm and is quick to cover ground.”

Catcher: Lilly Kamenash, who is a junior that has already committed to Kent State University, returns as the team’s starter.

“She is quick, has a great arm and commands the field well.”

Kamenash was the team’s leading hitter last year with her .475 average.

Pitching: Sisley is back as the team’s No. 1 pitcher. She threw 59.2 innings last year and had 60 strikeouts.

“She is a great leader.”

Cutright will also be in the rotation.

“She has great control of her pitches and will see many innings.”

Additionally, Makensea Bittner has some varsity experience, with Byers saying that “she throws a variety of pitches and is ready to take amore consistent role.”

Underclassmen to Watch: Cheyenne Cutright, fresh.; Morgan Giebel, soph.

Area of Strength: “We have great leadership in our returning upperclassmen who have large amounts of varsity experience. We have speed and athleticism across the field making us a competitive team. This group has great chemistry that will help carry us far.”

Cause for Concern: “Our infield is experienced, but everyone has shifted around. Executing defensively will dictate our success, as well as consistent hitting top to bottom of the lineup.”

SOUTHEAST PIRATES

Head Coach: Erin Muncy, 9th year, 74-71 career record.

Coaching Staff: Heather Lindsay, Ashley Callihan.

2025 Record: 16-10 overall record; 10-4 MVAC.

Returning Letterwinners (11): Morgan Muncy, sr.; Bailey Morris, sr.; Liv Bragg, sr.; Neena Truex, jr.; Miranda Timko, jr.; Savannah Powell, jr.; Aubrey Petrilla, soph.; Bella Mowery, soph.; Leah Mesaros, soph.; Lylia Lavigna, soph.; Lily Hayes, soph.

Letterwinners Lost (1): Ava Stephens.

Season Outlook: “We are looking to build on last season’s success and make a deeper playoff run,” head coach Erin Muncy said.

“We are very excited for the season to start. We return all players from last year with the exception of Ava Stephens (catcher) who graduated. We believe we have a lot of depth with very interchangeable players. We expect our experience to be a strength.”

Infield: The starting group features Morgan Muncy, Leena Truex, Lily Hayes and Aubrey Petrilla.

“This infield played together last year and are very solid, with strong arms, good range and situational knowledge.”

Muncy hit .624 last season, with Hayes at .357 and Truex hit .353.

Outfield: The core group includes Bella Mowery, Leah Mesaros, Bailey Morris and Lylia Lavigna.

“These outfielders played with each other last year and work well together. They all have good arms and can read a fly ball very well.”

Catchers: Lavigna and Morris will share time behind the plate and both are new to the position.

Pitchers: Liv Bragg, Lily Hayes, Miranda Timko, Aubrey Petrilla and Savannah Powell all pitched innings last year and will have an opportunity again this season.

Underclassmen to Watch: Natalie Campbell, soph.

Area of Strength: “Experience in all positions and a very flexible lineup. We have a deep pitching staff. We also have many players that can play multiple positions.”

Cause for Concern: “We have hitters, but are looking to be even more productive from the top of the lineup to the bottom this year.”

STREETSBORO ROCKETS

Head Coach: LeRoy Moore, 13th year overall (3rd at Streetsboro), 210-100 career record (30-25 at Streetsboro).

Coaching Staff: John Bodovetz, Mikayla Berquist, Sam Gadus, Megan Szczecinski.

2025 Record: 17-9 overall, 10-4 Metro Athletic Conference.

Returning Letterwinners (7): Payton Williams, sr.; Khloe Cutright, jr.; Olivia DeToro, jr.; Olivia Knepper, jr.; Amy Rein, jr.; Ella Simpson, soph.; Mallorie Gierke, soph.

Letterwinners Lost (4): Hailey Miller, Neveah Monroe, Sydney Burfield, Audriana Wert.

Infield: Three starters return in Khloe Cutright, Ella Simpson and Mallory Gierke.

Gierke is the starter at third base. She hit .339 last season.

Simpson is the starter at shortstop. She hit .389 last year and scored 26 runs.

Cutright is back to start at second base. She earned Second Team All-MAC last year, hitting .444, with 28 hits and 23 RBI.

Amy Rein will be the starter at first base when she is not pitching, with Kaidence Cox will also be at first base.

Outfield: Olivia Knepper is the leader.

“She is the only thing we know for sure about our outfield,” head coach LeRoy Moore said.

Knepper hit .514 last year, with 38 hits and 25 runs scored to be named First Team All-MAC and Second Team All-District as a centerfielder.

Payton Williams, Kaelyn Malloy and Ashleigh Denvir are all competing for time in left field.

“Those who don’t win that spot will compete with Brianna Denvir for time in right field.”

Catcher: Olivia DeToro is the team’s returning starter after earning Second Team All-MAC last year. A year ago, she hit .341, with 29 hits and 29 runs scored.

Cox and Ashleigh Denvir are the backups.

Pitching: Rein had a strong season last year, going 10-2 with a 3.32 earned-run average. She earned All-MAC and All-Ohio honors.

Williams and Malloy will be in the rotation, too.

Cause for Concern: “We are not deep in numbers with experience so a main key to a successful season will depend on us remaining healthy. If we do, we should compete with the top teams in our league and hopefully a deeper run at tournament time.”

WATERLOO VIKINGS

Head Coach: Brenda Flarida, 28th year, 331-232 career record.

Coaching Staff: Mackenzie Kehrer.

2025 Record: 12-11 overall, 9-7 MVAC.

Returning Letterwinners (9): Bayley English, sr.; Regan Heilman, sr.; Brylynn Eddy, sr.; Kristlyn Kehrer, jr.; Mackenzie Marsh, jr.; Kaylynn Esola, jr.; Jolean Hampton, soph.; Brooke May, soph.; Isabell Knepp, soph.

Letterwinners Lost (0): None.

Season Outlook: “Our goal every year is to contend for a league title,” head coach Brenda Flarida said. “We will need to come out of the gate quickly and prove we can play with anyone. I feel there are many quality teams in our league and it will be competitive every night. Any given night anyone can beat anyone. So we need to come ready to play every night.”

Infield: The Vikings welcome back a set of familiar faces.

Brilyn Eddy will be at first base, Regan Heilman at second base and Brooke May at shortstop. 

Emma Murphy will be a backup at short.

The one new face is Hailey Greening, who will be the starter at third base when Jolean Hampton is not pitching.

Hampton, who was named First Team All-MVAC last year, is also a strong bat at the plate, hitting .560 last season with seven home runs.

“They all bring a lot of talent and experience to our infield,” veteran head coach Brenda Flarida said.

Taylor Wadsworth and Emmalee Goodyear add depth.

Outfield: There will be a rotation of players in the outfield.

Kris Kehrer (.413 average, 4 home runs, First Team All-MVAC) will be in centerfield when she is not pitching.

Mackenzie Marsh, Kaylynn Esola, Emma Murphy and Isabell Knepp are all also in the mix.

“We will have speed and experience in the outfield. We have quite a few new and young players that will also see outfield time.”

That group includes Kenadee Kehrer, Taylor Wadsworth, Emmalee Goodyear and Kendall Eichler.

Catcher: Four-year starter Bayley English returns for the Vikings.

She was named Second Team All-MVAC last year.

“Her experience behind the plate is the strength for our team as she will handle the pitchers.”

Pitching: Waterloo has the luxury of having two experienced pitchers returning in Hampton and Kehrer.

Hampton was 9-7 last year with a 2.65 ERA and 149 strikeouts. Kehrer was 3-4.

“They have a different style and hopefully that will keep hitters off-balance. They both bring much experience to the mound.”

Underclassmen to Watch: Hailey Greening, fresh.; Emma Murphy, fresh.; Emmalee Goodyear, fresh.; Taylor Wadsworth, fresh.; Kenadee Kehrer, fresh.; Kendall Eichler, fresh.

Area of Strength: “We have a very hard working group of girls this season, with many veteran players, losing no one from last season and adding in the newcomers, this brings much excitement to the team in the early part of the year. We have high expectations and goals this season.

“The tradition we have created within our program is always our strength.”

Cause for Concern: “The beginning of the year is always cause for concern with getting reps outside and dealing with the weather. We need to hit from top to bottom of our lineup this year. This will come with repetition and game experience.”

WINDHAM BOMBERS

Head Coach: Larry Jones, 1st year.

Coaching Staff: Adam Smithley, Britney Cunningham.

2025 Record: 5-17 overall, 3-12 Northeastern Athletic Conference.

Returning Letterwinners (9): Brielle Jones, sr.; Makenzi Bryson, jr.; Makenna Jones, soph.; Chanyse Jones, sr.; Jaiden Moore, soph.; Elaina Tucker, jr.; Skylar Bailey, sr.; Kyleigh Simpson, soph.; Lillie Garrett, soph.

Letterwinners Lost (1): Quinn Justham.

Season Outlook: “We enter this season as a young, but determined group looking to turn the page and build something special,” first-year head coach Larry Jones said. “After finishing 5-17 last year in a season that included adversity down the stretch, this team has used the off-season as motivation.

“With valuable varsity experience returning and a core of talented underclassmen stepping into bigger roles, we are focused on growth, consistency and competing every time we touch the field. This year’s team brings energy, athleticism and a renewed sense of purpose.

“While still developing, the potential is clear, and our players have shown a commitment to improving both individually and as a unit. The emphasis this season will be on fundamentals, teamwork, building and creating a solid foundation for our youth to come up and building a strong culture that can carry the program forward for years to come. We may be young, and a small school but they are hungry. We expect to be far more competitive this spring. With continued development and a resilient mindset, we are a team that could surprise people as the season unfolds.”

Infield: The infield will be led by Brielle Jones, Makenzie Bryson, Kierrah Sanders and Kyleigh Simpson.

“They are determined and always improving.”

Outfield: Skylar Bailey, Chains Jones and Alex Hudak are the starters.

“They are very solid, and I am excited to see them grow.”

Catcher: Makenna Jones will start and is described by Jones as a “solid wall behind the plate.”

Pitching: Lillian Pesa-Garrett will be the team’s primary pitcher, with Jaiden Moore also in the mix.

“These two are young and improving, and I am excited to see where they go this year by working on mechanics.”

Team Captains: Brielle Jones, Skylar Bailey, Chanyse Jones, Joei Fitzsimmons.

Underclassmen to Watch: Aralynn Woofter, fresh.; MaKenna Jones, soph.; Kierrah Sanders, soph.; Kyleigh Simpson, soph.

Area of Strength: “Leadership, hard work and determination to get better as a unit.”

Cause for Concern: “To be honest, I just really want a positive upbeat season for them. I know we will have errors and there will be hills to climb, but this group is more than ready to climb them.”