After magical run, Mount Vernon softball eyes new growth

Mount Vernon softball coach Ryan Pentz hopes some of the magic from last year’s run to the state finals hasn’t vanished.

The Yellow Jackets, following the lead of seven seniors, made a run for the ages in 2025, advancing to the Div. II state championship game and finishing the season as the state runner-up. While those seven seniors have moved on, the Jackets return quite a bit of talent, even though some of it is a little inexperienced this spring.

“This year’s team is not as experienced as last year’s team. We do return a large amount of players that lettered last year, but they do lack experience,” Pentz said. “The team motto this year will be growth. … This team does have some solid skill sets and players that are really excited for the opportunities this season.”

Mount Vernon (28-3) returns its backbone from last year’s squad – junior pitcher Jocelyn Scarbury and senior catcher Hailey Rudrick. Scarbury, a first-team All-Ohioan, was first in the Licking County League in strikeouts last spring with 142, and second with a 1.40 ERA. Rudrick was tied with teammate Keely Pollard (junior first baseman) with 11 home runs and drove in 43 runners.

Senior pitcher Miranda Oswalt and senior utility player Layla Joyner also return, as well as juniors Pollard, pitcher/utility Gabby Beck, utility Riley Buttke, pitcher/first baseman Allydia Bell and outfielder Brooklyn Cook.

The Jackets also return several sophomores who saw some playing time last year in shortstop Mea Joyner, utility Isla Graham, catcher/third baseman Harley Styndl and utility Addi Smith.

With Oswalt, Scarbury and Beck on the mound, Pentz feels pitching will be one of the team’s strengths.

“This team has great depth in pitching. We have several pitchers that can step in to the circle and compete at a varsity level,” Pentz said.

The team will also have plenty of pop in their bats, led by Rudrick (11 HRs), Pollard (11 HRs) and Scarbury (9 HRs).

Pentz is also looking for big things from some newcomers to the varsity squad — junior outfielder Maddy Peterson, sophomore pitcher Emerson Creech, freshman infielder Lexi Ringwalt and freshman utility Kendall Melton.

Even with having to replace five starters, Pentz feels this year’s team has a chance to be at or near the top of the very tough Licking County League.

“We expect the LCL to be very competitive. It has been one of the most challenging softball conferences in the state and I don’t see anything changing that this season,” Pentz said. “I do believe our team, along with some others, have the skill sets to challenge Licking Valley for that top spot.”

The Yellow Jackets will begin that journey in Florida, making a trip to Destin for several games beginning March 29. Their first home game will be Wednesday, April 8, against Northridge.

Danville

The Danville softball team graduated a ton of experience and leadership from its Knox Morrow Athletic Conference championship of a year ago. But that doesn’t mean the Blue Devils will be short on talent.

Three core seniors and a load of promising newcomers have the Devils dreaming of another run at the KMAC and postseason.

“We graduated many experienced seniors that provided a lot of leadership and consistency,” said Danville coach Charlie Duncan. “This year, we do return some strong pieces but will be relying on many younger players to step up. They will need to learn quickly, understand their roles and be ready to execute when their number is called.”

That returning talent base includes a pair of pitchers in seniors Addy Bocock and Ruby Bartok. Bocock won 15 games last season, holding opponents to just 1.12 runs per game while striking out 165 batters on the season to earn All-Ohio honors. Bartok, another All-Ohioan, was also a big part of the rotation a year ago and will be counted on for her big bat while playing first base. Bartok smacked seven home runs and drove in 34 runners while hitting .500.

Right side senior infielder Taylor Meade also returns, as do sophomore outfielder Riley Johnston and sophomore first baseman/catcher Liz John. The Devils will get a boost offensively as catcher/first baseman Karleigh Wetzel brings her big bat over from Mount Vernon.

Duncan also has several talented freshmen that could see some valuable time in the field for his Devils – catcher/first baseman Morgan Hinkens, shortstop/pitcher Dalayna Parker, third baseman Kaylee Martin, outfielder Ryleigh Geog and outfielder Kelly Carder.

“We look for our pitching and defense to be the strengths of the team this season. In the circle, we have two experienced seniors — Addy Bocock and Ruby Bartok, who are no strangers to the pressure and responsibility that come with pitching. They bring leadership, confidence and a lot of experience to our staff,” Duncan said. “We’re also excited about talented incoming freshman Dalayna Parker, who we believe will be able to contribute right away. Defensively, senior Taylor Meade will lead our infield and provide strong leadership and stability.”

East Knox

The East Knox softball team will have a solid core of returning letter winners as it attempts to climb the ladder in the Knox Morrow Athletic Conference.

The Bulldogs return seniors Lydia Hill (pitcher) and Mackenzie Wilson (centerfielder), as well as junior Cloe Tucker (shortstop) and sophomores Kenlie Moore (first base) and Kaitlyn Stulka (outfield).

Coach Abby Lester will also look to a large group of promising newcomers this spring. Junior outfielders Brooke Barlock and Evelyn Opheim, as well as junior third baseman Bailey Maidel and sophomore outfielder Kendall Griffith will be ready to take over.

“Compared to last season, our team is more experienced and confident,” Lester said. “We’ve improved our communication on the field and worked a lot on fundamentals. We also have a stronger team chemistry, which will help us stay positive and compete harder in tough games.”

The Bulldogs also have a bevy of freshmen ready for their shot. Paizley Lilly and McKayla Lamier will help man the outfield, while Rhyley Lilly will catch and Madison Rambo will play second base and relieve Hill on the mound.

EK has been working hard during the preseason on communications and fundamentals, and Lester is hoping that hard work pays off this season.

“We’ve been working a lot on talking on the field and supporting each other, which helps everything run smoother. Our defense should also be pretty solid because we’ve been focusing on fundamentals and working together as a unit.”

Centerburg

A young but talented squad is hoping to lead the Centerburg softball team to some glory this spring.

The Trojans return eight letter winners, but have six freshmen and three sophomores in the mix for playing time.

“We are a young team. But saying that, they are a very talented group, and we are expecting a lot from them,” said Centerburg coach Chuck Shank.

While the freshmen learn, the Trojans do have quality seniors to help show them the way. Leading the team will be senior shortstop Abby Herren, who led the Knox Morrow Athletic Conference with 10 home runs. The Miami of Ohio commit also scored 44 runs, stole 17 bases and drove in another 32.

Also back for their senior campaign are outfielders Taylor Bryant and Emma Shaw. Joining them for another varsity season are junior first baseman Sydnee Schoonover and junior pitcher Morgan Beaver, as well as sophomores Jeannae Dial (pitcher), Lydia Gribben (catcher) and Jazmyn Larimore (first base).

Add in freshmen Kinlee Sharpe (second base) and Kallie Webb (third base) and coach Chuck Shank is excited about the possibilities this season.

“We have high goals for the upcoming season,” Shank said. “If our younger players play to the level we believe they will and our upper classmen stay healthy, we should have a good season,” Shank said.

Fredericktown

Youth will be in style in Fredericktown as the Freddies have four freshmen and two sophomores on the varsity softball team this season.

Even with the youth movement, the Freddies do have some talented upperclassmen to help show them the way. Returning for their senior season are first baseman Jazzlynn Wittman, outfielder Aubree Whiteley and pitcher/outfielder Vika Arnett. Junior third baseman Halie Mull and junior shortstop Abbey Wittman also return for coach Anthony Miller.

“One of our strengths will be our team speed. We will be fast and aggressive,” Miller said. “Defense will continue to be a strength, as we bring back strong defenders t critical positions.”

Two of the freshmen the Freddies will be counted on are pitcher Natalie Mull and second baseman Ella Au.

If the pitching and the play of the freshmen improve quickly, Miller feels his squad may have a chance to do some damage this year.

“I believe our league will be fairly competitive and balanced. As always, we hope to finish at the top of the league,” Miller said.