Plenty of offense, pitching highlight rugged MVL softball divisional races
The Times Recorder and Tribune will turn out attention to spring sports, as area softball teams are taking to the diamond.
Here's a look at our area teams going into the spring season.
Muskingum Valley League Big School
Sheridan
Coach: Mark Paxton, 24th overall year (13 at Sheridan, 10 at Licking Valley), assistant Jason Barrera
Last year's record: 23-4 overall, 14-2 MVL, District runner-up
Players graduated/lost: 3 Four Year Varsity Players, Avery Mueller (3B, All MVL, All District, 2023 MVL POY as a Junior), Addison Grosse (CF, All MVL), Avery Davis (LF)
Returning letterwinners: Seniors Cora Hall (P/IF, 3-year letter winner, 1st Team All Ohio, 2024 MVL POY, 12-3 W/L, 0.86 ERA, .629 Avg, 7 HRs, 33 RBIs), Payton Powell (SS, 3-year letter winner, 1st Team MVL/All District, .447 avg, 4 HRs, 38 RBIs), Lizzie Woods (1B, 2-year letter winner), Kayleigh Watkins (Utility), Hailey Robinson (Utility); Juniors Hayley Clifton (OF, 2 letters, All MVL, .349 avg) and Megan Ranck (P/Utility, 2 letters, All MVL, 9-1 W/L, 3.12 ERA, .304 avg); Sophomores Hailey Mueller (C, All District, .430 avg, 25 RBIs), Brooke Cadigan (2B, .284 avg), Mauri O’Brien (OF, .531 avg)
Key newcomers: Sophomore Utility Kennedy Grosse; Freshmen Avery Hall (C/Utl) and Lakelyn Haas (OF)
Quote: We lost 3 starters who won 88 games over the past 4 years, but the cupboard is far from bare. We return a lot and have young, able players eager to make their mark on Sheridan softball. No excuses will be made to not win games, but success hinges on a couple things: 1) Finding how the puzzle pieces go together to make us the best version of Sheridan softball; 2) How hungry are the veterans to finish what they’ve started?; 3) How quickly those veterans help the young newcomers catch up to the speed of the varsity game. Goals will not change, and that is to compete for and win a district title and make a run in May.
Tri-Valley
Coach: Brian Sterling, 6th year
Last year's record: 22-7, Division I Central District Runner-up
Players graduated/lost: Caity Journey (SS, now playing for Ohio Wesleyan, 1st Team Easten District, All MVL); Kylan Brock (1B, All- Ohioan, 1st Team Eastern District, All MVL)
Returning letterwinners: Seniors Paiton Murphy (Pitcher, All MVL, First Team Eastern District, All OhioHonorable Mention) and Ashlyn Davis (Pitcher, DP, 1B, Honorable Mention All MVL & Eastern District); Junior Ally Peterson (Catcher/OF, 2nd Team All MVL, 1st Team All Eastern District); Sophomore Alivia Reffitt (Catcher/SS, Honorable Mention All MVL and Eastern District); Seniors Cydnee Wolford (SS/2B/OF), Delaney Bell (3B) and Katelyn Paxson (OF); Juniors Larsyn Holdsworth (2B/OF) and Tessa Green (1B/OF)
Key newcomers: Senior Felicity Grable (OF), Juniors Lauren Leas (OF) and Gracie Hutton (P/OF), Freshmen Gerran Mathews (SS, 3rd, OF) and Joelle Moreland (OF)
Quote: We always need to control the controllables, and that is our attitude, effort & energy. We need to play to our strengths, which is playing fundamental sound defense, and having our two senior pitchers continue their consistent and aggressive approach, and obviously limit walks. Offensively, we need to continue to be very confident and aggressive, yet disciplined, at the plate. We have a good combination of experience and youth on our team and try and utilize more of our team speed this year. I feel that we have had a great pre-season, and our team chemistry is as close as it’s been in years. We are looking forward to seeing how we progress through the regular season and hopefully are playing our best ball going into the tournament. With a tough league schedule and very competitive non-league schedule, we will be tested early and often.
John Glenn
Coach: Scott Johnson, 1st year
Last year's record: 20-7 overall, 15-1 MVL Big School Champs, Sectional Champs, District Runner-Ups
Players graduated/lost: A trio of 4-year starters, Sydney Marshall (1st team All-Ohio, East District and Unanimous MVL; Alivia Boothe, 2nd team All-Ohio, 1st Team East District and Unanimous MVL; Sarah Wayne (HM East District, HM MVL)
Returning letterwinners: Juniors Addi Babcock (Unanimous 1st team MVL, 2nd team East District , C/1B/OF), Estelle Matheney (2nd team MVL and East District, SS), Ava Miller (HM MVL and East District, 3B/1B), Libby Brown (OF), Kinley Porter (OF/SS), Bella Daniels (OF); Senior Haylee Young (P/1B)
Key newcomers: Juniors Riley Wunder (C/OF) and Cecelia Maldonado (OF/2B); Sophomores Delaney Bell (P/1B) and Josilyn Stashonsky (1B/3B); Freshmen Kendall Snider (P/2B) and Morgan Harper (INF)
Quote: We lost three 4-year starters, one was an All Ohio pitcher and one an All Ohio catcher, the two most important positions on the softball field. We will need to play solid defense to help our pitchers and do the little things correctly on offense to have an opportunity to reach our goals.
Philo
Coach: Bob Vousden, 1st year, 23 years of experience
Last year's record: 11-13
Players graduated/lost: Kassady Harris, Caitlyn Rose, Meghan Tom, Natalie Jarrett, Olivia Winland
Returning letterwinners: Seniors Karlee Southall (SS/C), Bri Wolfe (3B/1B) and Aleigha Busse (OF); Juniors Cassidy Himes (P/OF) and Kyleigh McGraw (P/C); Sophomore Dilyn Brown (3B/SS)
Key newcomers: Juniors Lia Unger (1B) and Parker Hina (2B); Sophomores Lexi Sturtz (OF) and Jocee Hummel (OF); Freshmen Lexi Charles (P/1B/ OF) and Autumn Hartman (Injured, P/SS)
Quote: There are a lot of new faces in key positions. Looking forward to seeing this groups progress. They will need to place a high value on the routine plays on defense and be able to combine moving runners into scoring positions with timely hitting on offense.
River View
Coach: Willie Infante, 5th year
Last year's record: 4-17
Players graduated/lost: Quinn Hoy, Bridgette Bible, Raelee McPeak
Returning letterwinners: 12 letter winners in total, lead by Hallie Wallace (HM MVL and East District) and Regan Foster (MVL HM)
Quote: Last year we were fortunate to be able to provide in game experience at the varsity level to a lot of our players. Our goal is that the experience they gained from those games will transition smoothly to this season.
Small School
West Muskingum
Coach: Josh Bobo, 4th year
Last year's record: 18-8, 11-5 MVL, 2nd Small School
Players graduated/lost: Katlynn Foster (1B, 2x MVL POTY, 1st team D2 East, .600 avg, 16 HRs), Cadence Puckett (P, H/M D2 East, 2nd team MVL, .424 avg, 32 RBI)
Returning letterwinners: Seniors Addy Antonetz (Mount Union signee SS/P/OF Captain, 1st team MVL, 1st team East District, .576 avg, 19 SB, 9 HRs), Kadie Bare (P/Captain, HM MVL & D2 East, 9-5 record, 2.9 ERA, 4 shutouts), Lydiah Huey (2B/Captain, 2nd team MVL, 2nd team East District .438 avg, 8 HRs); Juniors Gabbi Hammer (CF, 2nd team MVL, 2nd team East District, .420 avg, 18 SB), Peyton Brown (RF, .417, 20 SB); Sophomores Kyana Bowers (C), Mireyha Reese (OF), Kaley Meddings (1B/OF)
Key newcomers: Sophomores: Alainnah Lantz and Harleigh Kierns, Freshman Pitcher Elyse Baker
Quote: We are very excited to get back at it after last year's disappointing ending to the season at Huntington. "Hopefully they all remembered the 2-1 for 365 days." We are now in the East District and look forward to playing new teams. First and foremost, the MVL Small Division is on the checklist. The MVL is so good you must come to play every night. We need our seniors to be leaders. We have some experienced kids with some young pitching. We are hoping for another exciting season.
Morgan
Coach: Jeremy Keirns, 8th year
Last year's record: 17-5, MVL Small School and Sectional Champions
Players graduated/lost: Malayni Clemens and Lilly Gorrell
Returning letterwinners: Seniors Blair Clawson (C), Ellie Parsons (2B), Remi Keirns (LF), Paige Lanning (1B) and Grayson Welch (DH/3B); Juniors Myka Augenstein (3B) and Chloe Baker (SS); Sophomores Laney Kangas (P/CF) and Allia Rush (P/CF).
Key newcomers: Junior Gianna Myers (RF), Sophomores Payton Lahmers (P/2B) and Kaydence Maxwell (DH/1B)
Quote: Run it Back!
Crooksville
Coach: Casey Vallee, 17th season
Last year's record: 12-13, a 2-1 loss to Huntington in the sectional final
Players graduated/lost: Gracie Peck (P/CF), Sonni Nelson (C)
Returning letterwinners: Seniors Brynn Lundell (SS, 2X Unanimous ALL MVL, 2nd Team ALL SE, .405 AVG & 20 SB, 4 yr. starter), Rylee Chamberlin (2B, HM All MVL & SE. .300 AVG, 4 yr. starter), Lexi Saffell (P), Madison Goodin (1B, 3rd yr. starter), Maelee Collins (OF, 3rd yr. starter, batted over .300 as a sophomore); Juniors Mylin Driggs (OF/C, H.M. All MVL, .325 AVG, 3 yr. starter), Paige Frame (3B, 3rd yr. starter), Lexi Van Meter (Utility, out for the year after a broken leg); Sophomores Dalena Rollison (OF/P .300 AVG. 3 HRs, will see plenty of action on mound) and Cam DeLong (C, .320 AVG)
Key newcomers: Freshmen Calie Smith (3B), Daylee Foster (SS/2B), Brooke Beight (UTL/C), Brooklyn Pride (P/1B), Gabbie Grandstaff (2B), Hadley Mckenzie (OF), Natalie Gheen (OF)
Quote: We have high standards, expectations and goals set for this group and program. These senior captains and juniors have played a lot of softball together and have experienced all the ups and downs together. Their experience will be the key in leading us to where we go this year. We also have some really solid younger kids that are ready to contribute this spring. It’s a very athletic roster that will allow us to attack in different ways offensively and play great defense. We have a very challenging schedule to prepare us for the MVL and a potential postseason run. Our team culture will determine what we earn, so far-so good, it’s a great group of kids and we are very excited for this season.
Coshocton
Coach: Dawn Peterson, 3rd year
Last year's record: 6-21, beat No. 6 seed Union Local 10-0 in first round of tournament, fell to MVL rival Meadowbrook 9-2
Players graduated/lost: Addison Rice
Returning letterwinners: Sophomore Jazlene Brown (1B/Utility IF, HM East District/MVL, .338 BA, 24 Hits, 7 2B, 18 RBI, .971 field %); Sophomore Savannah Gambill (Pitcher/SS, HM East District/MVL, .363 BA, .452 OBP, 29 Hits, 26 runs, 11 SB, 98 strikeouts); Sophomore Kylee Raber (SS/Utility, .266 BA, 17 Hits); Sophomore Mallorie Stamper (C/Utility, 2nd Team East District/1st Team MVL, .407 BA, .461 OBP; 33 Hits, 7 2B, 4 3B, 27 runs, 18 SB, .986 field %)
Key newcomers: Sophomores Breanah Wickliff (OF) and Maddison Philabaum (2B/Util) and Freshmen Jaelyn Allen (CF/2B) and Dakota Hook (3B/1B/C)
Quote: We are a young team who started laying the foundation last year. We will start 8 freshman and sophomores with the goal of continuing to build the program into a contender not only for the MVL but for the East District. We look forward to continuing to build a strong name for our program as we rise up.
New Lexington
Coach: Jace Agriesti, 1st year
Last year's record: 9-13 overall, 5-11 MVL
Players graduated/lost: Abby Wilson and Kylie Fink, pitcher and catcher
Returning letterwinners: Jorja Burkhart (C/OF), Makenzy McCoy (SS/IF), Caroline Dupler (3B/IF), Lexi Buchanan (P/OF), Lena Finck (RF/1B), Mia Metzger (P/1B), Savannah Miller (1B/OF), Aleyen Fink (2B), Alyssa Spears (OF), Kaylon Torres (2B), Alex Pyle (OF), Mara Shipley (1B)
Key newcomers: Senior Faith Greene (OF/2B), Freshmen outfielders Layla Baker and Ava Gleason
Quote: A great group of girls who show up every day ready to work and get better. We have a young, talented group.
Maysville
Coach: Terry McFadden, 5th year
Last year's record: 3-18
Players graduated/lost: Olivia McPeek (2B), Chloe Burley (P), Ashtyn Merlo (P/1B), Bella Pfeifer (C)
Returning letterwinners: Seniors Ayven Johnson (CF), Kam Brooks (3B/OF), Taylor Freeland (P/SS); Juniors Kaelynne Mitton (P/INF), Josalynn Milotovich (C/Utility), Jenna Spillman (2B/OF); Sophomore Sophie Dennis (1B)
Key newcomers: Sophomores Brooklyn Toler (C/INF), Olivia Shipley (C/OF), Addison Kolbe (INF), Avery Wilson (Utility); Freshman Lily Tumblin (P/1B)
Quote: Our team has worked very hard in the offseason to get better and stronger. We are going to rely on strong senior leadership throughout the year. We have some very athletic newcomers that can play multiple positions and help out where needed. We are hoping to be a lot more competitive this year.
Zanesville (Licking County League)
Coach: Mandi Lawler, 1st year, assistant: Ashley Campbell
Last year's record: 0-22
Players graduated/lost: 1 graduated
Returning letterwinners: N/A
Key newcomers: 5 Freshmen, Cyaira Wallace (Catcher), Katie Brooks (Pitcher), Achaia Walker (3B), Jaden Thacker (LF), Maliyah Curtis
Quote: Rebuilding the softball program in hopes to have two teams next year. Learn from your mistakes and try again.
Rosecrans (Mid-State League Cardinal)
Coach: Levi Thompson, 2nd year
Last year's record: 7-13
Players graduated/lost: Sam Delik, Hailey Lepi
Returning letterwinners: Seniors Emily Jenkins (C/P/1B, First Team All-MSL), Kate Ward (C/3B, First Team All-MSL, Second Team East District), Kerry Thompson (SS/CF, First Team All-MSL)
Key newcomers: Izzy DeMattio
This article originally appeared on Zanesville Times Recorder: Muskingum Valley League softball: Sheridan, Meadowbrook defend crowns
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