Carrollton High softball counting on young arms, senior core

After finishing 8-16 overall, including a 3-7 mark in the Eastern Buckeye Conference a year ago, the Carrollton softball program enters the 2026 season with an intriguing mix of youth and leadership.

Head coach Shane Ball, now in his eighth season guiding the Lady Warriors, acknowledges that this year’s team will look different from past squads — but firmly believes the foundation is there for growth and success.

“We are fielding a young team this year, with a freshman on the rubber and behind the dish,” Ball said. “This group is really working hard and is showing a lot of drive. They just must flip the switch and want it.”

First, Carrollton needs to replace two standout graduates in Marleigh Osolin and Jordan Pittman, both four-year letter winners who earned All-EBC and All-District honors. Their departure leaves a significant void in both leadership and production.

Despite those losses, the Warriors return a strong senior core led by shortstop Kearsten Ball, a three-year letter winner and team captain who has earned multiple All-EBC honors. Although she is expected to miss as much as half the regular season due to a shoulder injury, Ball’s eventual return should provide a significant spark both offensively and defensively.

Senior outfielders Samantha Bajornas and Makenzie Morrow also bring experience, while a talented junior class is expected to play a key role. Juliaunna Miller (2B/C) highlights that group after earning All-EBC honorable mention and East District recognition, along with being named co-offensive player of the year in 2025. Breeanna Arquilla (C/3B) and Gracelyn Folk (OF) add depth and versatility across the field.

The sophomore class provides additional pieces, including Reagan Schneiders (P/1B), who is expected to contribute in the circle and at first base, along with Laiken Spilker (OF/1B) and Paityn Crank (1B/C), who also earned co-offensive player of the year honors as a freshman last season.

A major storyline for Carrollton will be the impact of its freshman class. Emilee Shepard is expected to take on a significant role as a pitcher, while Addie Turkovich and Mila Mulheman could see immediate playing time in the field and behind the plate.

With so many young players immediately stepping into key roles, early-season development and the team's ability to mesh will be critical for the Lady Warriors.

“Early on we will still be learning how to play together,” Ball said. “Much of this group has not played together in their positions, and we haven’t been able to practice on the dirt yet, which is hurting our team cohesion.”

Even with those challenges, Ball believes Carrollton’s strengths will come from leadership and defensive improvement.

“Our team captains this year have great drive and will be the glue to pull the team together as one,” Ball said. “Our defensive game will be better with two good arms to head it up.”

In the always-competitive EBC, the Warriors are sure to face challenges ahead. Still, there is a palpable sense of optimism that this group can compete with the upper echelon teams.

“West Branch and Marlington will field strong teams, but even though we are young, I feel we can be contenders to finish at the top,” Ball said.

With a young roster still gaining experience, strong leadership at the top, and key contributors set to emerge, expect the Lady Warriors to focus on team-building throughout the season. Once those pieces fall into place, Carrollton could emerge as a team to watch in the conference race.