Returning letterwinners: Seniors — Jazmynne Cunningham, IF/OF; Keyaira Cole, DH. Juniors — Cece DeBartolo, P/IF (3.34 ERA; .353 AVG); Brittny Biles, C (.468, 4 HR, 6 2B, 24 RBI); Shelby Knapp, OF; Chris Rollins, 1B; Jamie Easterday, P/IF. Sophomores — Ceason Chaffee, CF; Sierra Knapp, 3B/C.
Other varsity players: Juniors — Kesheé Harris, IF; Chelsea Edwards, OF. Sophomore — Lesley Moore, IF. Freshmen — Shelby Evans, P/OF; Dinah May, IF.
FYI: The Wildcats lost just one senior to graduation. Numbers are strong throughout the program. ... Last season the Wildcats beat division champ Wayne once and went to extra innings in the second meeting.
Coaches comment: “The program is developing. Everyone on the varsity and the JV has some softball experience, even if they’re a freshman. We’re getting the kids to play softball again.”
KENTON RIDGE
Head coach: Sarah Ivory, first season.
Returning letterwinners: Seniors — Brianna Camp, 2B/OF; Liz Mathews, SS (.391, 3 HR, 4 3B, 17 RBI); Shelby Ross, P/1B. Junior — Katie Ashbaugh, OF. Sophomores — Lindsey Fenwick, C; Allie Kiessling, OF; Arika Roush, 3B.
Other varsity players: Seniors — Kaitie Harrison, 1B; Sydney Winnenberg, OF. Freshmen — Monika Foster, INF; Elysa Mathews, P/1B; Paige McCrary, C/OF; Brooke Sizemore, INF.
FYI: Mathews is a four-year starter and was the most productive hitter last season. ... The Cougars had a losing record in the regular season but still advanced to the district tournament. ... Ivory takes over for Ed Foulk, who resigned after 23 years as the Cougars’ head coach. Ivory was Foulk’s assistant for six years. She was also the head coach at North for one season.
Coaches comment: “They’re young and energetic and willing to learn. You tell them one thing, and they can build on top of that.”
SHAWNEE
Head coach: Larry Spahr, third season.
Returning letterwinners: Seniors — Allison Schaefer, IF; Bri Miller, IF; Amber Campbell, OF. Juniors — Marta Lockwood, OF (.615, 34 RBIs); Sami Smiddy, IF (.415, 17 runs); Jena Carey, P/IF (.500); Keri Beedy, IF/OF. Sophomores — Lexi Saunders, IF/OF; Ashley Dalton, C/OF (.444).
Other varsity players: Juniors — Chelsey Adamson, utility; Kelsey Fenton, P. Sophomore — Breann Thornberry, P/IF. Freshmen — Rachel Moore, IF; Kira Chaffin, P; Lauren Hogan, C/IF; Destinee Smith, utility.
FYI: Lockwood led the area in batting average and had five home runs and 18 doubles while striking out just twice. ... The Braves will have a new pitcher this year. Nine players are back with varsity experience, and Adamson played for Greenon last season.
Coaches comment: “We’ve got 10 girls with varsity experience, and that has its benefits. The biggest issue is we haven’t had someone step up and be the dominant pitcher.”
TECUMSEH
Head coach: Judy Williams, sixth season.
Returning letterwinners: Senior — Hayley Studebaker, OF. Juniors — Cari Campbell, 3B; Jill Steinbrunner, OF. Sophomores — Alli Collins, C; Erin Sims, P.
Other varsity players: Junior — Cassie Cantrell, P. Sophomores — Alex Grueser, utility; Barbara Russell, SS. Freshmen — Megan Christmann, 1B; Taylor Jones, utility; Miranda Roberts, P/2B.
FYI: All five returners were starters last season, and that experience will help this year. ... Sims, Cantrell and Roberts will all see time pitching.
Coaches comment: “We have a lot of speed and a lot of girls that are aggressive. They’re all great athletes, and they can play about anywhere.”
GRAHAM
Head coach: Christie Dodane, third season.
Returning letterwinners: Seniors — Kyleigh Jones, CF (.347); Melinda Denner, LF. Juniors — Kaitlyn Ward, P (.316, 24 runs); Cheyenne Heckman, P (10-5, 1.57 ERA); Chloe Ward, SS/C. Sophomore — Tori Purk, 3B.
Other varsity players: Juniors — Brandy Denner, OF; Elizabeth Turner, 1B; Bethany Wirth, OF. Sophomore — Lindsay Myers, IF/P. Freshmen — Brooke Dodane, C/SS; Mackenzie Jordan, P.
FYI: The only players in the same positions this season are Heckman and Kaitlyn Ward, the pitchers. They will split time again. ... Last year’s team batting average was .309.
Coaches comment: “I think we’re going to be strong in the field. We’re still working on our batting, but we’re quick. Even though we’re young, these girls have played a lot of softball, so we have some experience.”
GREENON
Head coach: Barb Jenkins, eighth season.
Returning letterwinners: Seniors — Michelle Ashworth, 1B (.350); Samantha Spencer, SS; Ally Gibbs, 2B (.316). Juniors — Chelsey Morefield, C; Shannon DeLong, OF; Allie Manns, OF. Sophomore — Sarah Hupp, P.
Other varsity players: Seniors — Tess Lewis, LF; Tara Mitchell, 3B; Alyssa Hrosch, DP. Freshmen — Emily Cleaveland, OF; Cassie Hackathorne, P.
FYI: Four starters return: Ashworth, Spencer, Gibbs and Morefield. Hupp will be the main pitcher. ... The Knights have a big freshman class and 16 on the reserve team, and they have good numbers at the middle school levels.
Coaches comment: “Now we’re starting to see a bunch of kids who have played nothing but fast-pitch softball, and it’s really making a difference.”
NORTHWESTERN
Head coach: Missy Johnson, 10th season.
Returning letterwinners: Seniors — Erica Roberts, P (20-6, 0.84 ERA); Calli Studebaker, SS; Sarah Overholser, 3B (.423, 28 runs); Jordan Reynolds, 1B. Junior — Kallie Coy, C (.351, 23 RBIs). Sophomores — Taylor Keplinger, OF; Michelle Pencil, OF (.378); Lindsay Gorby, P; Miranda Whip, DH/OF.
Other varsity players: Junior — Savannah Leep, OF. Freshmen — Amy Studebaker, 2B; Cortney Pearson, DH/2B.
FYI: Roberts, Studebaker, Overholser and Reynolds are four-year starters, and seven starters return. Only one senior from last season graduated ... The Warriors have won at least 20 games in the past two seasons.
Coaches comment: “We seem to be jelling well. They’ve worked hard in the offseason, and we’re excited to get the ball rolling.”
URBANA
Head coach: Kevin Gary, first season.
Returning letterwinners: Seniors — Alyza Sherman, SS (.313); Kaci Pena, C/OF. Juniors — Courtney Fain, P (3-3, 1.03); Leann Harrigan, CF; Kacie Purinton, 2B; Rachel Townsley, 3B/C; Leanna Pittsenbarger, P (14-3, 0.98).
Other varsity players: Junior — Danielle Wildman, C/IF; Sophomore — Taylor Johnson, OF. Freshmen — Andrea Hendricks, OF; Haylie Arledge, utility.; Kristen Shank, OF/SS; Sam Schrader, 3B/1B.
FYI: Sherman is a four-year starter, and Pena has started for three season. Pittsenbarger and Fain are both strong pitchers ... Gary took over for Tim West. Gary was West’s assistant for eight years.
Coaches comment: “Pitching and defense have always been our staples. We’d like to have a little more offensive output this year. We’ve been working really hard, and hopefully that hard work pays off.”
CATHOLIC CENTRAL
Head coach: Doug Skinner, 23nd season.
Returning letterwinners: Seniors — Lainee Haerr, P/IF; Teresa Lynch, C. Juniors — Julia Kuntz, IF; Bethany Canestraro, IF; Sam Catanzaro, C/IF; Katie Carroll, P/IF; Christine Dimitroff, IF.
Other varsity players: Sophomores — Allison Brougher, OF; Katie Mitchell, OF; Jazmin Smith, P/OF. Freshmen — Alexis Dimitroff, IF; Sarah Hoskins, OF; Jaclyn Korte, OF; Jordan Lough, IF/OF.
FYI: Seven starters give the Fighting Irish experience, which was lacking last season. ... Carroll is the top pitcher. Skinner said the defense should be better.
Coaches comment: “The key will be having a year’s experience for the returning lettermen.”
CEDARVILLE
Information not provided.
GREENEVIEW
Head coach: Cindy Dean, first season.
Returning letterwinners: Seniors — Amber Chenoweth, utility; Ellie Reynolds, utility; Lauren Schirtzinger, P/OF. Sophomores — Savanah Brown, 2B, OF; Emily McCauley, 3B/OF; Mykaelah Mercer, 1B/P/OF.
Other varsity players: Sophomores — Alison Guyton, OF; Lindsay Faulkner, utility. Freshmen — Brooklynn Dean, utility; Jessica Arthur, utility; Hayley Anderson, 1B/OF; Becky Montgomery, OF; Lindsey Thomas, OF.
FYI: Chenoweth is a returning starter. Reynolds missed last season with an injury after starting as a sophomore. ... Cindy Dean was Greeneview’s assistant coach last season.
Coaches comment: “They’re all eager to learn and have been very coachable. ... We’ve got a young team, but there’s a lot of knowledge there.”
MECHANICSBURG
Head coach: Dave Lough, first season.
Returning letterwinners: Senior — Kara Westfall, CF (.369, 26 RBIs). Juniors — Jamie Dean, C/1B (.342, 22 RBIs); Jessica Parsons, P; Josie Cornelison, SS (.377); Sophomores— Lacey Romero, C/1B (.357, 24 runs); Paige Ziegler, 2B (.353).
Other varsity players: Freshmen — Jordan Hux, 3B; Alex Caryl, LF; Allison Rodgers, OF; Kassidie Roudebush, OF; Juslynn Stockwell, OF; Destinee Shoemaker, OF; Audrey Foster, OF; Rebecca Horsley, OF.
FYI: Five of the six returners were starters last season. Parsons is the main pitcher this year. ... Cornelison struck out just twice last season, Romero three times and Ziegler four. ... Lough took over the program earlier this month.
Coaches comment: “They’re sound fundamentally on defense, and they swing the bat to hit the ball hard. I’m happy with what I’ve seen so far.”
NORTHEASTERN
Head coach: Randy Elzey, first season.
Returning letterwinners: Seniors — Alivia Byerly, 3B; Courtney Long, OF/C; Brittany Markley, OF; Mackenzie Moeller, SS/P (.302); Kasey Shoemaker, OF. Junior — Lindsey Pollock, OF/2B. Sophomores — Katelynn McDaniel, 1B/P; Courtney Moore, SS/P (.371).
Other varsity players: Senior — Katie Pollock, 1B/P. Juniors — Kyleigh Foley, OF; Randi Leach, 3B; Megan Rucker, 2B; Kendrea Taylor, OF/1B. Sophomores — Lauren Davy, 2B/OF; Kaysie Leach, 2B; Brittany Miller, OF. Freshmen — Ashlen Lockwood, C/1B; Jordan Rossitto, SS/OF.
FYI: Moore and Moeller will share the pitching duties. The Jets only lost one player to graduation. ... Elzey took over for Jill Robertson, who resigned after one season. Elzey was previously an assistant at Washington Court House Miami Trace.
Coaches comment: “We have spent a lot of time focusing on fundamental softball and understanding key situations. Everyone is working hard to improve their skills and competing in practice every day for starting positions.”
SOUTHEASTERN
Head coach: Randy Delaney, 22nd season.
Returning letterwinners: Senior — Rhianna Wyss, OF. Juniors — Taylor Haggy, P (11-9, 1.94 ERA); Haley Banion, P/3B (.300 avg., 5-4, 2.21 ERA); Kayla McIntire, 2B; Brianna Toops, 1B. Sophomores — Jenna Erwin, SS (.363); Andrea Schaaf, C (.317, 22 RBIs); Olivia Lloyd, utility.
Other varsity players: Senior — Chelsea Waters, utility. Juniors — Shelby Hocter, OF/1B; Kelsey Wilson, OF. Freshmen — Danielle McGee, OF/1B; Taylor Perry, OF/2B; Carley Sullivan, 3B; Cora Carpenter, OF/C.
FYI: Haggy and Banion return as the top pitchers, and the Trojans need to replace only one starter. Depth is better than past years. ... The Trojans were one out away from a district title last season.
Coaches comment: “With so many returners, they have their goals set that they want to get over that (district) hurdle, but I keep telling them they have to keep working hard. If you sit and think it’s automatic, it won’t happen.”
TRIAD
Head coach: Shari Dixon, 11th season.
Returning letterwinners: Seniors — Britney Graves, C; Sammy Nawman, 3B (.343, 20 RBIs); Addie Dixon, 2B; Lauren Brown OF (.351, 12 RBIs). Junior — Ciara Howell, P/OF (4-2, 2.66 ERA). Sophomore — Kelsey Funderburgh SS (.330, 11 RBIs).
Other varsity players: Seniors — Audrey Brooks, P; Beth Burden, OF/C; Jessie Cron, OF. Junior — Allie Moore, OF. Sophomore — Courtney Simonelli, 1B. Freshmen — Macie Jenkins, 1B; Dayna Ober, P/OF; Anna McKenzie, SS.
FYI: The Cardinals have won five straight district titles, and Dixon has 207 career wins. ... Six starters return. Last season’s top pitcher, Morgan Ryan, and top hitter, Amy Ropp, graduated.
Coaches comment: “We keep coming in with great athletes, and then you surround yourself with great people. When you do that, good things will happen.”
WEST LIBERTY-SALEM
Head coach: Lanay Detwiler, eighth season.
Returning letterwinners: Senior — Abbey Ledford, SS (.515, 37 runs). Juniors — Emily Detwiler, P (21-2, 0.91 ERA); Kate Detwiler, 1B (.359, 25 RBIs); Kaitlyn Kite, C (.442, 32 RBIs). Sophomores — Alyssa Neff, OF/P (6-0, 0.81 ERA); Becka Peterson, 3B/P (.351); Andrea Markin, 2B (.380).
Other varsity players: Sophomores — Jordan Adams, OF; Alexis Smith, utility. Freshmen — Melany Ward, OF; Addie Kendall, C/OF; Courtney Milliron, utility.
FYI: Ledford is a four-year starter and will play at Kent State University. ... Kate and Emily Detwiler and Kite are three-year starters. Kite, a DP last year, is now the catcher. ... The Tigers have won six straight OHC and district titles.
Coaches comment: “We have a nice balance, I think, of speed and power. It’s just a matter of putting it all together.”
MBC
EMMANUEL CHRISTIAN
Last season: 8-7.
Head coach: Dan Beekman, third season.
Returning letterwinners: Senior — Lindsay Ground, 3B. Juniors — Mayelin Beekman, P (.481, 1.99 ERA); Haley Lewis, C (.522); Kristina Gosney, 1B (.446, 11 2B); Desiree Enoch, CF/3B. Sophomores — Alyssa Coleman, 2B; Tyra Pruitt, OF; Breanna Coffman, SS.
Other varsity players: Freshmen — Kaila Beekman, utility; Shanice Madison, OF; Regina Tantlinger, OF; Mercedes Harris, OF.
FYI: The Lions have a strong junior class that has two years of varsity experience. ... In their third season to field a varsity team, the Lions are competing in the Metro Buckeye Conference for the first time.
Coaches comment: “I think that we’re going to be definite competitors.”
YELLOW SPRINGS
No team.
— Compiled by Brian Plasters