Spring softball previews: Adena and Huntington to rely on core seniors

Editor's note: This is part of a series of spring sports previews for the Chillicothe Gazette. Coaches, if you did not receive a form from your AD, please contact Tonya Shipley at tshipley@gannett.com to be included in the previews.

Last season, the Adena and Huntington softball programs were sectional champions.

But the Adena softball team lost six seniors to graduation from last year's squad. Yet, already they have two new seniors to lead the way.

For Huntington, it's also about the seniors.

Here's a look at both teams.

Huntington softball

Brian Smith returns for his fourth year as head coach.

Huntington won the 2024 sectional championship and had a record of 16-11.

They lost Nora Moore and Olivia Tackett/Mackenzie Paugh (transfer) from last year's team.

Returning letterwinners include senior Savannah Bushatz who was first team All-SVC, first team Southeast District, and second team All-Ohio at third base.

Allie Baker, also a senior, was second team All-SVC, and second team Southeast District at shortstop and Leah McCloskey, a senior, who was honorable mention at first base.

Other returners include Kaylee Kendall, senior (outfield), Taylor Tisdale, a junior (outfield), Ava Potter, a junior (infield) and Julie Kight, a sophomore (utility).

Key newcomers are Kenley Smith, a freshman (first base/outfield), Gracie Slaughter, a junior, (pitcher) and Kaci Carroll, a senior (outfield).

"Our goals this year are to get better each day, enjoy the game of softball and to play for each other," Smith said.

Adena softball

Coach Brad Jadwin is in his fifth year with Adena (sixth counting Covid year) and has a 78-22 record.

Adena's Adriana Guarnieri (#9) celebrates at home plate with her teammates after hitting a home run in the Warriors' game against Unioto on April 19, 2023.

Last season the Warriors were sectional champs and lost in the district semifinals. They had a 20-7 record.

Players who graduated are Emma Garrison, Kiera Williams, Sophie Cheesebrew, Madi Halcomb, Caroline Corcoran, and Hailey Howard.

Returning are:

Adriana Guarnieri, a senior, C/CF .329 batting avg, two HR, 22 RBIs, 32 runs, and nine stolen bases.
Adelynn Nelson, a senior, OF/2B .261 batting avg, and 18 runs.
Marly Halcomb, a sophomore, SS .433 batting avg, 23 RBI, 36 runs, and 18 stolen bases.

Key newcomers are Addy Cottrill and Allie Bossert, both freshmen, who are part of the pitching staff.

"We graduated six great seniors that won a bunch of games during their four years. They will be hard to replace, but we have a lot of talented youth that are eager to compete," Jadwin said. "We take pride in our base running. Our middle infield will be strong. We will find ways to get on base. We have two great senior leaders in Adelynn and Adriana."

"Our league is up for grabs. We are going to bring our best each night and see what happens."

This article originally appeared on Chillicothe Gazette: Sectional champs last year, Adena and Huntington will rely on seniors

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