Fresh off winning its first Chagrin Valley Conference title last spring, the Edgewood softball team has a lot of shoes to fill in the lineup.
If all goes well, the Warriors, who finished 13-8 overall and 7-1 in the Lake Division last spring, will again have a say in who wins the conference title.
“We lost a lot of seniors from last year’s team, so we have lots of slots to fill,” said Edgewood coach Randy Vencill, who also led the Warriors to the conference title in basketball this winter. “We have a lot of new blood on the team and the girls are excited and are preparing daily. The new players are all getting accustomed to what is expected from them and each other.”
Vencill knows his new players will experience some growing pains, but he’s looking for effort and intensity from his squad.
“I expect us to compete in every game and give 110 percent,” he said. “I feel like our pitching and defense will keep us in the game we will just have to hit the ball enough to win some games.”
Senior McKenna Vencill, a returning first-team All-CVC selection, be one of four returning starters her coach will lean on to produce at the plate and in the center field and provide leadership for the younger players.
“McKenna is one of two seniors and has already shown great leadership,” Vencill said. “She will anchor down the outfield and help us manufacture runs at the plate. I look for big things from her this year.”
Sophomore catcher Natalie Ianetta will play a key role for the Warriors behind the dish and also with the bat in her hands.
“Natalie is our table setter and our anchor behind the plate,” Vencill said. “She has a great softball IQ and I expect her to help lead the team this year.”
Sophomore Lucianna Paolillo returns to the circle after earning first-team All-CVC honors last spring.
“We expect Luci to keep us in most games on the mound,” Vencill said. “She has worked hard in the offseason to perfect her craft and we expect big things from her. Luci will also have to help us at the plate in scoring some runs with her big bat.”
Freshman Faith Vencill will play first base, junior Avery Vencill will be at second, Addy Lamson will start at shortstop, and Juliaunna Gregory will round out the infield at third. Makenna Rhodes will play left field and Gianna Ianetta is in right.
Freshman Carly Kray and juniors Gabby Brown and Isabel Stebbins will provide depth.
McKenna Vencill, a second-team All-CVC pitcher, and Gregory will chew up some innings in the circle.
“I feel our team strength is our pitching and our defense,” Coach Vencill said. “Our pitchers have worked hard in the offseason and our defense is really starting to gel as one unit.”
The Warriors won’t be without a few hurdles to clear this spring, but they’ll be successful if they can produce consistent offense.
“I’d say the biggest challenge will be replacing all the senior leadership we lost and other girls stepping up to fill those roles,” Coach Vencill said. “We have to hit it enough, catch it enough, and throw it enough to win some games.”
