By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

The softball preview for the Rootstown Rovers’ 2023 season:

THE TEAM

Head Coach: Paige Byers, 3rd year, 33-12 career record.

Coaching Staff: Taylor Shepherd, Emily Pierson, Sheena Raab.

2022 Record: 16-4 overall, 9-1 Portage Trail Conference.

Returning Letterwinners (8): Jessica Hahn, sr.; Zoe Noel, sr.; Maddie Wise, sr.; Shelbie Krieger, jr.; Natalie Hammerschmidt, jr.; Boston Silveus, jr.; Abby White, jr.; Grace Luli, soph.

Letterwinners Lost (4): Macie Coleman, Delta Nichols, Clara Butcher, Zoe Pastva.

Underclassmen to Watch: Kaitlyn Hammerschmidt, fresh.; Reise Thomas, fresh.

TOP RETURNING STATISTICAL LEADERS

Shelbie Krieger: .483 average, 29 hits, 12 doubles, 4 home runs, 19 RBI, 23 runs, 10 walks, 13 pitching wins, 246 strikeouts, 0.79 ERA, 106.1 innings pitched.

Jessica Hahn: .469 average, 30 hits, 2 home runs, 15 RBI, 18 runs, 10 stolen bases.

Maddie Wise: .435 average, 27 hits, 6 doubles, 13 RBI, 18 runs.

Abby White: .404 average, 23 hits, 9 doubles, 2 triples, 19 RBI, 21 runs, 12 walks.

Zoe Noel: 18 hits.

SEASON OUTLOOK

“We are excited to bring back a core group of players from our successful season last year,” head coach Paige Byers said. “We have great leadership in our upperclassmen, who have high goals for this season. We have several freshmen that will find roles on the varsity team this year. They bring speed, power and a high level of softball knowledge.”

INFIELD

First Base: Zoe Noel returns and will “be our leader on the infield,” according to Byers. Noel was a key to the Rovers’ offensive lineup in 2022 as well.

Noel was named First Team All-Portage Trail Conference last season.

Third Base: Freshman Kaitlyn Hammerschmidt has earned the opportunity to start at the hot corner.

“She brings high knowledge and a strong arm to the infield,” Byers said.

Shortstop: Another freshman, Reise Thomas, will be the team’s starter at shortstop.

“Her speed allows her to cover the left side of the field with ease,” Byers said.

Second Base: Senior Jessica Hahn, along with freshman Katie Sisley, will both see innings at second base.

Hahn was one of the Rovers’ top offensive producers last season, with a .469 average, 30 hits and two home runs.

CATCHER

Natlie Hammerscmidt is the starter for the Roves, while Kaitlyn Hammerschmidt will also occasionally get some time behind the plate.

OUTFIELD

Junior Abby White returns to anchor the outfield in center.

“Her speed and arm strength will continue to be a huge threat to opposing teams,” Byers said.

Junior Boston Silveus and Hahn will also add speed to the outfield.

Senior Savannah Adkins will also get time in left field and right field.

PITCHING

Junior Shelbie Krieger returns as Rootstown’s ace and had a tremendous 2022 campaign that saw her earn Portage Trail Conference Player of the Year honors.

She had plenty of impressive numbers, including 246 strikeouts in 106 innings, 13 wins and an ERA of 0.79.

A pair of freshmen will add some depth for the staff this year, with Katie Sisley and Chloe Gardner both bringing “unique styles and pitch sets,” according to Byers.

REASON TO BE OPTIMISTIC

“We have a lot of returning leaders and upperclassmen, who want to push the team to go further into the postseason this year,” Byers said. “They have the heart, talent and camaraderie to do so. Our outfield and pitching staff are strong with leadership and experience.”

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

“We will have a young infield that needs some time to jell together,” Byers said. “How quickly we are able to get this going will be a huge factor in our success this season.”

SCHEDULE

March 27: at Crestwood

March 29: vs. Warren JFK

March 31: at Chippewa

April 2: at Raceland

April 3: at Paducah Tilghman

April 4: vs. Oldham at Preston Hood Athletic Complex

April 5: vs. Fern Creek Traditional at Preston Hood Athletic Complex

April 7: vs. TBA at Preston Hood Athletic Complex

April 10: at Lake Center Christian

April 11: vs. Mogadore

April 13: vs. Crestview

April 17: at Southeast

April 18: vs. St. Thomas Aquinas

April 20: at Ravenna

April 24: at Warren JFK

April 28: vs. Ravenna

May 1: vs. Mogadore