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LANCASTER – This could be a banner year for area softball teams.
There is a ton of talent returning from teams that had ultra-successful seasons a year ago, including Liberty Union, which won the Division III state championship in 2024.
The Lions return the bulk of their lineup, as does Lancaster, which lost in the Division I regional final. Expect not only the Lions and the Lady Gales to make deep tournament runs, but several other teams loaded with talent should make their presence felt in the postseason.
Here is a closer look at area teams.
Area Softball Capsules
More: ‘We were built for this’: Liberty Union wins first state championship in school history
Coach: Allison Kinniard (fourth season)
Conference: Ohio Capital Conference-Buckeye Division
Last year’s record: 28-4 (OCC champions – 10-0, Division I District champions, regional runner-up)
Returning letter-winners: Ashlin Mowery, Sr.; Lily Stoughton, Sr., Emalene Chevalier, Sr., Ky Pugh, Sr.; Jenna Spurling, Sr.; Brenna Spradlin, Sr.; Maggie Conkel, Sr.; Kendall Brown, Jr.; Lana Prince, Jr.; Hannah Smith, Jr.; Hailey Rings, Jr.; Kileigh Rohr, Jr.; Mia Griggs, Jr.; Jojo Sheets, Soph.
Key losses: Reese Poston and Skylar Smith.
Key newcomers: Alieya Garner, Soph.; Mackenzie Hedrick, Fr.
Coach Kinniard’s take: “This is an incredibly experienced group that enjoys playing with each other and has great team chemistry. They have worked hard and they are ready to take on the season.”
Coach: Shaun Hochradel (fourth season)
Conference: Mid-State League-Buckeye Division
Last year’s record: 24-6 (Division III district, regional and state champions)
Returning letter-winners: Payton Hochradel, Sr.; Emmalee Putnam, Sr.; Masie Buskirk, Sr.; Addi Osterman, Sr.; Suzie Shultz, Jr.; Emilyn Kanet, Jr.; Lacy Hayes, Jr.; Raelyn Bader, Jr.; Haeden Brunty, Soph.; Alexis McCoy, Soph.; Cobie Weaver, Soph.
Key losses: Brooklyn Brockman, Macie Wollenberg
Key newcomers: Eden Wilson, Fr.; Ryleigh Brown, Fr.; Hannah Leith, Fr.
Coach Hochradel’s take: “We are coming off a magical run in 2024 to bring home a State Championship. From day 1 of this season, we’ve been working hard to reset. Our mantra is Process = Prize. We return seven starters from last year and bring in a solid freshman class. Pitching will be a strength in 2025. We will need everyone to buy into our approach, and if they do, we will be in a ton of ball games this year.”
Coach: Chris Lucas (fourth season)
Conference: Mid-State League-Buckeye Division
Last year’s record: 17-12 (district runner-up)
Returning letter-winners: Addy Luke, Sr.; Madi Grefe, Sr.; Madelyn Gates, Jr.; Claire Whitcraft, Sr.; Maddi Walters, Jr.; Gabby Johnson, Jr.; Emma Brandt, Soph.; Jaiden Sharrow, Soph.; Allie Martin, Sr.; Raychel Grove, Sr.; Brenlynn Morris, Sr.; Hayden Hubner, Jr.
Key losses: Sophia Gleim
Key newcomers: Addison Brown, Jr.
Coach Lucas’ take: “Here to have fun while achieving high expectations in going deep in the playoffs.”
Coach: Danny Snively (fourth season)
Conference: Mid-State League-Cardinal Division
Last year’s record: (18-5, won sixth straight MSL-Cardinal Division title)
Returning letter-winners: Josilyn Hedges, Sr.; Aleah Smiley, Sr.; Karlee Morgan, Jr.; Rylee North, Jr.; Sophia Williams, Soph.; Mackenzie Fritz, Soph.; Lauryn Kuhn, Soph.
Key losses: Mia Hintz
Key newcomers: Abi Miller, Soph.; Reese Besco, Fr.; Cloe Hatzer, Fr.; Brooke Hurst, Fr.; Kori Hoplite, Fr.
Coach Snively’s take: “While we have several returners, we still have a lot of inexperience in some positions. We will rely on our upperclassmen to continue to lead us. We will have many young athletes competing for some positions. We will lean on junior Karlee Morgan and Senior Josilyn Hedges in the circle with help from freshman Reese Besco. Aleah Smiley led us in several offensive categories last season and will need her to continue that. Rylee North, Cloe Hatzer, Lauryn Kuhn, and Mackenzie Fritz will help with infield duties while Besco, Sophia Williams, and Kori Hoplite will help in the outfield. With a mix of experience and developing talent, we are ready to take on the challenges ahead, relying on leadership, hard work, and determination to make an impact this season.”
Coach: Matt Wolfe (Sixth season)
Conference: Mid-State League-Buckeye Division
Last year’s record: 11-11
Returning letter-winners: Adelyn Wolfe, Sr.; Kayle Emswiler, Sr.; Gauge Mitchell, Sr.; Ella Harmon, Soph.; Maddi Lanning, Jr.; Kylie Farmer, Jr.; Kerra Fuller, Jr.; Taylor Smeck, Jr.; Erin Hutchison, Jr.
Key losses: Rachel Patterson
Key newcomers: Olivia Palmer, Sr.; Addison Fey, Jr.
Coach Wolfe’s take: “This is an overall great group of selfless young ladies who work hard for each other. I am looking forward to a fun season with them.”
Coach: Andy Smeltzer (second season)
Conference: Mid-State League-Cardinal Division
Last year’s record: 4-13
Returning letter-winners: Lia Kitsmiller, Sr.; Katy Smeltzer, Sr.; Ruby King, Jr.; McKyiah Harrison, Soph.; Kailyn Johnson, Soph.; Addie McNamee, Soph.; Claire Young, Soph.
Key losses: Caitlin Blair, Hendrix Graham, Lauren Perretta and Sylvia Ross
Key newcomers: Amelia Beard, Olivia Dexter, Emma Goodman, Abby Heisner, Tannah Knight and Skylar Smith.
Coach Smeltzer’s take: “It is going to be a difficult season with an inexperienced team going up against many talented teams in the MSL-Cardinal and moving up to Division 6 for tournament play. On the other hand, it is going to be a fun season as the girls have been working really hard to build skills, grow closer as a team, and represent the love of God in all they do.”
Coach: Aaron Mitchell (second season)
Conference: Mid-State League-Cardinal Division
Last year’s record: 20-4(MSL-Cardinal Division and sectional champions)
Returning letter-winners: Aubrey Beauseau, Sr.; Ava Bru, Sr.; Harper Kline, Jr.; Lauren Kersell, Sr.; Mallory Stanton, Sr.; Olivia Haynes, Sr.; Sydney Ellis, Sr.; Lucy Watkins, Jr.; Vanessa Funk, Sr.
Key losses: Jayda Dixon and Ellie Mitchell
Key newcomers: Erica Sharp, Soph.; Lylee Marcinco, Soph.; Taylor Terry, Fr.
Coach Mitchell’s take: “Looking forward to a strong season with veteran players, but nothing is given to you and we will have to earn it. We will get Vanessa Funk back after missing the 2024 season with a knee injury. She was a two-time first team all-league and all-district player.”
Coach: Maria Chandler (fourth season)
Conference: Mid-State League-Cardinal Division
Last year’s record: 12-7
Returning letter-winners: Emma Raver, Sr.; Kendyl Bonkowski, Jr.; Haiden Byrd, Sr.; Scarlett Sheets, Sr.; Adalee Martin, Sr.; Kira Squires, Sr.; Ginny Worstall, Sr.
Key losses: Emily Blevins, Roni Rarey, Alexis Barch
Key newcomers: Ava Blevins, fr.; Claire Haney, Fr.; Gracie O’Neal, Fr.; Bailey Betz, Fr.
Coach Chandler’s take: “This season the Lady Lakers return seven players from last year’s roster with six players being seniors. The upperclassmen have stepped up to lead and guide the four freshmen we have added to our roster. This group of young ladies have set some very lofty goals for the season and with the continued hard work and dedication they will succeed.”
Tom Wilson is a sports reporter for the Lancaster Eagle-Gazette. Contact him at 740-689-5150 or via email at [email protected] for comments or story tips. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter @twil2323.
This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: H.S. Softball Capsules: A closer look at our area teams who are loaded with talent
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There is a ton of talent returning from teams that had ultra-successful seasons a year ago, including Liberty Union, which won the Division III state championship in 2024.
The Lions return the bulk of their lineup, as does Lancaster, which lost in the Division I regional final. Expect not only the Lions and the Lady Gales to make deep tournament runs, but several other teams loaded with talent should make their presence felt in the postseason.
Here is a closer look at area teams.
Area Softball Capsules
More: ‘We were built for this’: Liberty Union wins first state championship in school history
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LANCASTER
Coach: Allison Kinniard (fourth season)
Conference: Ohio Capital Conference-Buckeye Division
Last year’s record: 28-4 (OCC champions – 10-0, Division I District champions, regional runner-up)
Returning letter-winners: Ashlin Mowery, Sr.; Lily Stoughton, Sr., Emalene Chevalier, Sr., Ky Pugh, Sr.; Jenna Spurling, Sr.; Brenna Spradlin, Sr.; Maggie Conkel, Sr.; Kendall Brown, Jr.; Lana Prince, Jr.; Hannah Smith, Jr.; Hailey Rings, Jr.; Kileigh Rohr, Jr.; Mia Griggs, Jr.; Jojo Sheets, Soph.
Key losses: Reese Poston and Skylar Smith.
Key newcomers: Alieya Garner, Soph.; Mackenzie Hedrick, Fr.
Coach Kinniard’s take: “This is an incredibly experienced group that enjoys playing with each other and has great team chemistry. They have worked hard and they are ready to take on the season.”
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LIBERTY UNION
Coach: Shaun Hochradel (fourth season)
Conference: Mid-State League-Buckeye Division
Last year’s record: 24-6 (Division III district, regional and state champions)
Returning letter-winners: Payton Hochradel, Sr.; Emmalee Putnam, Sr.; Masie Buskirk, Sr.; Addi Osterman, Sr.; Suzie Shultz, Jr.; Emilyn Kanet, Jr.; Lacy Hayes, Jr.; Raelyn Bader, Jr.; Haeden Brunty, Soph.; Alexis McCoy, Soph.; Cobie Weaver, Soph.
Key losses: Brooklyn Brockman, Macie Wollenberg
Key newcomers: Eden Wilson, Fr.; Ryleigh Brown, Fr.; Hannah Leith, Fr.
Coach Hochradel’s take: “We are coming off a magical run in 2024 to bring home a State Championship. From day 1 of this season, we’ve been working hard to reset. Our mantra is Process = Prize. We return seven starters from last year and bring in a solid freshman class. Pitching will be a strength in 2025. We will need everyone to buy into our approach, and if they do, we will be in a ton of ball games this year.”
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BLOOM-CARROLL
Coach: Chris Lucas (fourth season)
Conference: Mid-State League-Buckeye Division
Last year’s record: 17-12 (district runner-up)
Returning letter-winners: Addy Luke, Sr.; Madi Grefe, Sr.; Madelyn Gates, Jr.; Claire Whitcraft, Sr.; Maddi Walters, Jr.; Gabby Johnson, Jr.; Emma Brandt, Soph.; Jaiden Sharrow, Soph.; Allie Martin, Sr.; Raychel Grove, Sr.; Brenlynn Morris, Sr.; Hayden Hubner, Jr.
Key losses: Sophia Gleim
Key newcomers: Addison Brown, Jr.
Coach Lucas’ take: “Here to have fun while achieving high expectations in going deep in the playoffs.”
BERNE UNION
Coach: Danny Snively (fourth season)
Conference: Mid-State League-Cardinal Division
Last year’s record: (18-5, won sixth straight MSL-Cardinal Division title)
Returning letter-winners: Josilyn Hedges, Sr.; Aleah Smiley, Sr.; Karlee Morgan, Jr.; Rylee North, Jr.; Sophia Williams, Soph.; Mackenzie Fritz, Soph.; Lauryn Kuhn, Soph.
Key losses: Mia Hintz
Key newcomers: Abi Miller, Soph.; Reese Besco, Fr.; Cloe Hatzer, Fr.; Brooke Hurst, Fr.; Kori Hoplite, Fr.
Coach Snively’s take: “While we have several returners, we still have a lot of inexperience in some positions. We will rely on our upperclassmen to continue to lead us. We will have many young athletes competing for some positions. We will lean on junior Karlee Morgan and Senior Josilyn Hedges in the circle with help from freshman Reese Besco. Aleah Smiley led us in several offensive categories last season and will need her to continue that. Rylee North, Cloe Hatzer, Lauryn Kuhn, and Mackenzie Fritz will help with infield duties while Besco, Sophia Williams, and Kori Hoplite will help in the outfield. With a mix of experience and developing talent, we are ready to take on the challenges ahead, relying on leadership, hard work, and determination to make an impact this season.”
FAIRFIELD UNION
Coach: Matt Wolfe (Sixth season)
Conference: Mid-State League-Buckeye Division
Last year’s record: 11-11
Returning letter-winners: Adelyn Wolfe, Sr.; Kayle Emswiler, Sr.; Gauge Mitchell, Sr.; Ella Harmon, Soph.; Maddi Lanning, Jr.; Kylie Farmer, Jr.; Kerra Fuller, Jr.; Taylor Smeck, Jr.; Erin Hutchison, Jr.
Key losses: Rachel Patterson
Key newcomers: Olivia Palmer, Sr.; Addison Fey, Jr.
Coach Wolfe’s take: “This is an overall great group of selfless young ladies who work hard for each other. I am looking forward to a fun season with them.”
FAIRFIELD CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
Coach: Andy Smeltzer (second season)
Conference: Mid-State League-Cardinal Division
Last year’s record: 4-13
Returning letter-winners: Lia Kitsmiller, Sr.; Katy Smeltzer, Sr.; Ruby King, Jr.; McKyiah Harrison, Soph.; Kailyn Johnson, Soph.; Addie McNamee, Soph.; Claire Young, Soph.
Key losses: Caitlin Blair, Hendrix Graham, Lauren Perretta and Sylvia Ross
Key newcomers: Amelia Beard, Olivia Dexter, Emma Goodman, Abby Heisner, Tannah Knight and Skylar Smith.
Coach Smeltzer’s take: “It is going to be a difficult season with an inexperienced team going up against many talented teams in the MSL-Cardinal and moving up to Division 6 for tournament play. On the other hand, it is going to be a fun season as the girls have been working really hard to build skills, grow closer as a team, and represent the love of God in all they do.”
FISHER CATHOLIC
Coach: Aaron Mitchell (second season)
Conference: Mid-State League-Cardinal Division
Last year’s record: 20-4(MSL-Cardinal Division and sectional champions)
Returning letter-winners: Aubrey Beauseau, Sr.; Ava Bru, Sr.; Harper Kline, Jr.; Lauren Kersell, Sr.; Mallory Stanton, Sr.; Olivia Haynes, Sr.; Sydney Ellis, Sr.; Lucy Watkins, Jr.; Vanessa Funk, Sr.
Key losses: Jayda Dixon and Ellie Mitchell
Key newcomers: Erica Sharp, Soph.; Lylee Marcinco, Soph.; Taylor Terry, Fr.
Coach Mitchell’s take: “Looking forward to a strong season with veteran players, but nothing is given to you and we will have to earn it. We will get Vanessa Funk back after missing the 2024 season with a knee injury. She was a two-time first team all-league and all-district player.”
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MILLERSPORT
Coach: Maria Chandler (fourth season)
Conference: Mid-State League-Cardinal Division
Last year’s record: 12-7
Returning letter-winners: Emma Raver, Sr.; Kendyl Bonkowski, Jr.; Haiden Byrd, Sr.; Scarlett Sheets, Sr.; Adalee Martin, Sr.; Kira Squires, Sr.; Ginny Worstall, Sr.
Key losses: Emily Blevins, Roni Rarey, Alexis Barch
Key newcomers: Ava Blevins, fr.; Claire Haney, Fr.; Gracie O’Neal, Fr.; Bailey Betz, Fr.
Coach Chandler’s take: “This season the Lady Lakers return seven players from last year’s roster with six players being seniors. The upperclassmen have stepped up to lead and guide the four freshmen we have added to our roster. This group of young ladies have set some very lofty goals for the season and with the continued hard work and dedication they will succeed.”
Tom Wilson is a sports reporter for the Lancaster Eagle-Gazette. Contact him at 740-689-5150 or via email at [email protected] for comments or story tips. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter @twil2323.
This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: H.S. Softball Capsules: A closer look at our area teams who are loaded with talent
Continue reading...
