KR primed for another deep run
SPRINGFIELD — On the first pitch of their first preseason game, Kenton Ridge High School sophomore Kendall Massie mashed a home run over the fence at Ed Foulk Field — the first of her high school career.
They’re hoping it’s a sign of good things to come this spring for the Cougars, who have reached the Division II regional final each of the past two seasons.
Kenton Ridge graduated five seniors from last year’s Central Buckeye Conference Kenton Trail
Division championship squad, but also returned several key players and have added strong newcomers. The expectations are high for the Cougars, who are off to a 3-0 start.
The team spent the offseason in the weight room to prepare for the season, as well as playing on travel teams, said Cougars coach Sarah Schalnat.
“They’re really putting in the time,” Schalnat said. “You hear about the (travel teams) they play on and they’re playing fall ball and winter. They’re putting in the time. It’s great to have a core group that’s always working hard and wanting to achieve those goals. … I really enjoy this group of girls and I enjoy watching their success because of the hard work they’ve put in.”
The Cougars graduated five seniors who won 57 games over three seasons, including pitcher Kylie Ropp and outfielder Kirsten Wright, who were each named D-II All-ohio second team last season. They’re both playing collegiately at D-II Thomas More University.
“That’s big to lose five kids who contributed last year,” Schalnat said. “We have a nice core coming back and some new kids who
are doing very well.”
The Cougars return six starters from last year, including sophomore catcher Brenna Fyffe, a D-II first team All-ohio selection last season. Fyffe, Massie and Annie Fincham were each named ALLCBC Kenton Trail first team, while junior Kyleigh Schnitzler and senior Dakotah Timmons each were named second team.
Several newcomers will join the squad this spring, including juniors Kyanne Tyson and Sydney Sloan, sophomore Cara Cammon and freshmen Chloe Glass and Jayden Davis.
The biggest question mark for the Cougars will be in the pitcher’s circle. Ropp, the CBC Kenton Trail Division Player of the Year, led the conference with 202 strikeouts last season.
This year, the Cougars expect to use several different players, including Natalee Fyffe and Timmons, as well as Tyson and Schnitzler.
“All four of them are going to contribute this year, so I’m really looking forward to that,” Schalnat said.
With several players who can play multiple positions, the Cougars plan to use a committee on the mound throughout the season, she said.
“Whoever’s got the hot hand, whoever’s pitching well will get the start and you kind of go from there,” Schalnat said. “I feel like this year we have a lot of kids who are versatile and can play different positions and I think that will help us.”
While the Cougars have big goals this spring, they won’t look too far ahead, Schalnat said. They focus on being in the moment, she said, including putting away their phones during practice time in Schalnat’s “No Device Bag.”
“Our thing is being where your feet are,” Schalnat said. “I think that really is impactful for them. I really do think they enjoy being together and playing ball.”