Spalding going for third straight IAAM A Conference championship
Before the softball season has even begun, it’s time to start holding breath for the county championship — because the competition is going to be stiff.
There’s two obvious favorites on the public school side, and that’s the pair of state powerhouses that clashed at Bachman Sports Complex soil last spring: Northeast and Crofton. Both teams feature a major loss to graduation, but overall, both squads return most of their uber-talented competition, with quite a few popping out as figures to watch.
For the defending county champion Cardinals, it’s UNC Wilmington commit Lynsie Herman and Marley Connor. The two will split time in the circle this spring, with Herman bringing just a bit more experience.
“Both are extremely talented and will be able to challenge most hitters,” coach Sarah Bible said. “This is part of a pitching staff that averages 15 strikeouts a game. Lynsie threw three perfect games last season.”
What Connor brings to the table is exactly what she put on sparkling display in last year’s counties: power hitting. That’s a quality Bible will certainly appreciate, as the longtime area coach knows adjusting to the level of county pitching will be an obstacle for her younger entries.
As for Northeast, which faces the Cardinals on April 12, experience abounds from still very young players. Most of last year’s Class 2A state semifinalists were freshmen and sophomores, and better than scores of upperclassmen around the state, let alone the county. Of the 11 returners, four — Presley McGinty, Jenna Burroughs, Taylor Castle and Mackenzie Weiland — made All-County.
That seasoning and talent, combined with some new players coach Joe Hart feels excited about, is more than prepared to build upon last year’s historic success and its stumbles.
Broadneck, too, has reason to look toward the postseason. The Bruins made last year’s Class 4A state semifinals where they fell to a hot Dulaney lineup. The Bruins are led by a new coach, and bid goodbye to first team All-County slugger Addison Hurst, but return key pieces like senior pitcher Sam Waters to try and keep positive momentum going.
“The team’s strengths this year are shaping up to be accountability and communication,” coach Stephanie Millard said. “They are
holding each other accountable for their actions on the practice field, and communicating without prompt when something isn’t right while working on situational play scenarios all while still having fun.”
Arundel is an early dark horse contender.
The Wildcats flew under the radar last spring. Despite a 15-5 record, Arundel finished modestly in the playoffs, losing in the first round to Stephen Decatur.
However, the team returns Delaware State commit Bria Sewell in center field, as well as two first team All-County selections in sophomore Anna Bristol in the circle and at first base, as well as junior catcher Maddie Hamolia, who hit .620 with 27 RBIs in 2023.
Plenty of coaches are keeping a watchful eye on Chesapeake considering the Cougars return a spectacular asset in senior outfielder Alana Watts, who missed most of last season after an early injury. Watts averaged .767 as a sophomore with five home runs.
As for the private schools, Archbishop Spalding is queen.
The Cavaliers are flush with returning power and precision, from pitcher Makenna Dean to Hampton commit, second baseman Jadya Betts. Those two, among the other returners, have never failed to win the oInterscholastic Athletic Association of Maryland A Conference championship.
Here’s more on each team. Editor’s note: Not every coach responded to requests for information. 2023: 12-4, IAAM A Conference champions Coach: Delaney Bell, sixth season
Top players: Seniors Makenna Dean (P) and Jayda Betts (SS). 2023: 15-5
Coach: Lisa Mills, 11th season Top players: Senior Bria Sewell (CF); junior Maddie Hamolia (C); and sophomore Anna Bristol (P/1B). 2023: 21-2, Class 4A state semifinalists
Coach: Stephanie Millard, first season
Top players: Seniors Mara Gilkey (SS), Sam Waters (P/2B) and Hailey Adamson (P/2B). 2023: 12-5
Coach: Brittany Owen, thirdrd season
Top players: Senior Ava Cichetti (1B) and junior Alana Watts (OF). 2023: 19-5, county champions
Coach: Sarah Bible, fourth season
Top players: Seniors Lynsie Herman (P/CF), India Stokes (SS/2B) and Amaya Mullings (2B/SS); juniors Marley Connor (3B/P), Alana Yancey (OF), Noelle Nercessian (1B/ OF) and Mackenzie Reyes (C/UT). 2023: 9-13, Class 4A East Region I champions Coach: Brittany Alexander, first season
Top players: Seniors Alexis Abrams (OF), Savannah Tasker (IF) and Sydney Wiseman (IF); junior Melissa Cunningham (C); and sophomore Addison Elkins
(IF). 2023 record: 8-11
Coach: Kelly Guarnieri, 10th season
Top players: Senior Sahara Ward (P/OF) and sophomore Reese Butler (C/3B). 2023: 19-3, Class 2A state semifinalists
Coach: Joe Hart
Top players: Seniors Jaynie Rudolf and Brooke Belange; juniors Maddison Weibe, Kayleigh Fyffe, Taylor Castle, Mackenzie Weiland, Natalee Brown, Paige Brown and Julianna Leprohon; sophomores Maddison Burris, Presley McGinty, Jenna Burroughs and Brynn Jones; freshmen Carliegh Canada and Kayleigh Arrington. 2023: 8-12
Coach: Kevin McCoy, third season
Top players: Seniors Kayla Musgrove (1B), Savanna Parks (3B) and Dallas Martella (OF); juniors Riley Kellner (C/OF), Maren Haager (SS/2B) and Athena Dyer( OF/C); sophomore Sydney Aguilar (P/1B); freshmen Casey Morris (OF), 2023: 9-9
Coach: Bailey Benedick, second season
Top players: Seniors Sally Trent (C) and Christina Ballagh (P/OF); and junior Addison Bianco (OF). 2023: 8-14
Coach: Tim Williams, 17th season
Top players: Seniors Campbell Barber (P), Serenity Mendoza (OF) and Meghan Fritter (OF); juniors CJ Harris (3B), Hanna Grambo (OF), Katherine Lippincott (C/INF), Macy Shelton (1B/OF) and Ava Weisner (INF); sophomores Cala Marano (SS), Madi Autrey (1B/OF) and Taylor Phipps (UT); freshmen Avery Ford (C/INF), Addy Binko (P) and Ava Zimmerman (INF). 2023 record: 4-14
Coach: Callie Hysan, second season
Top players: Junior Kaycee Catterton (SS) and sophomore Kelly Medhurst (P).