Kirtland returns six starters from last year’s squad that finished 13-7 overall and 10-2 in the Chagrin Valley Conference but the Hornets are relatively young.
The projected starting lineup includes just three seniors—counting one currently on injured reserve—but the Hornets make up for their lack of experience with promising talent.
“The key to our success is going to be versatility, getting some key players back from injury, developing our younger girls quickly, and staying healthy,” Kirtland coach Jamie Kamensky said. “I’m excited to see our growth and where we are toward the end of the season. We have a tough schedule ahead of us but by postseason we can be something very special.”
Kirtland’s success starts at the top with the three seniors who have meant so much to the program.
Emily Ungrady returns in the circle and as one of the most complete all-around players in the area. She was named Co-MVP of the Chagrin Valley Conference Valley Division and also earned all-district honors.
Elizabeth Vernon is out with an injury but will return at shortstop and Kaitlyn Mancini has third base on lockdown.
“Our senior class is something special,” Kamensky said. “They have a dynamic relationship that has really helped to focus our program this year. Emily brings a lot to the table, pitching, fielding, and hitting. She is not only a leader through her play; she has become a mentor and a true leader for our younger players. Elizabeth is battling back from an injury that happened during the soccer season. Though she hasn’t been able to lead on the field, she has been a voice for our team and has helped to develop our younger girls. Kaitlyn is the mom of the team. She keeps everyone grounded and brings a lot to the table for us offensively.”
Juniors Samantha Bates, Haleigh Getchell, Noelle Nead and Julia Camino also are projected to start for the Hornets.
Bates will line up behind the plate while Getchell will play first. Nead and Camino, an All-CVC performer, will play left field and center, respectively.
“They have developed from freshman year tremendously,” Kamensky said of her juniors. “They have gone from being phenomenal athletes to phenomenal softball players. Julia is going to bring a lot to the table with her speed, consistency at the plate and her ability to play infield, outfield, and pick-up pitching. Haleigh brings a staple to our infield as well as our lineup. She has really focused in the off-season on her game and this could be a huge year for her. Samantha Bates has stepped up all-around. She will be our catcher this year. She has filled in and I’m excited to see her develop as we get going. She has a great rapport with Emily and the two are starting to click. Noelle Nead is going to surprise people this year. She is going to be a staple in our outfield and bring a lot to our offensive game.”
Freshmen Gianna Cantini, Grace Wolfe and Emma Pilarczyk round out the projected starting lineup.
Cantini will play second, Wolfe is at shortstop and Pilarczyk will play right.
“Two key freshmen to keep an eye on this year are Gianna Cantini and Grace Wolfe,” Kamensky said. “Both have tremendous experience in softball and can really up our offensive and defensive game. The new freshmen we have are developing quickly and will play some key roles for us are Morgan Carmosino, Malia Becker, Emma Pilarczyk, Amber Kissinger, and Cora Miller.”
Ungrady will throw most of the innings for the Hornets but she has capable arms behind her in Cantini, Camino and Wolfe.
“We have a lot of athletes this year,” Kamensky said. “We are a better hitting team this year and have the potential to do a lot. Compared to last year, we don’t have as much experience. We also don’t have depth. We will be having players play multiple positions and will potentially be making radical changes throughout the game. Our approach is flexibility this year and being able to have people be comfortable and fill in where we need them to fill roles.”
For the Hornets, their first goal is to regain control of the CVC Valley Division, which means beating regional finalist Independence at least once in their two head-to-head matchups this spring and then they can look ahead to the Division III district tournament and a potential rematch with defending state champion Warren Champion.
“We just need to develop as a team and the seniors so far have set a good tone for us to do this,” Kamensky said. “Once we click, we’re going to click and Kirtland will be a tough team to beat.”
