With four seniors returning this spring, Cardinal has the potential to make some noise in the Chagrin Valley Conference Valley Division.
The Huskies will rely on several newcomers to fill some key roles and their development is the key to Cardinal’s success.
“Overall, I have a good group returning and I’m expecting big things from them,” Cardinal coach Dennis Ikeler said. “We have a lot of young players and I’m having to move returning players to fill in open spots.”
Seniors Faith Peters, Sydney Hahner, Hannah Hill and Lexi Christman provide a solid foundation for the team.
Peters, the team’s catcher and a Tri-C recruit, batted .714 last spring and is a mentor to the younger players.
“There are a lot of young girls who have never or barely ever played softball before,” Peters said. “I believe that I am a role model that can show them how to be aggressive, a good sportsman, and be humble all while having fun.”
Hahner, who will play first, hit .467 last spring and Christman, who batted .435, will play center field.
Hill, a .489 hitter, returns at shortstop.
“I’m so excited to finish out high school softball with the group of girls we have this year,” Hill said. “I think we bring great leadership and commitment to the table. I cannot wait to see where this season takes us.”
Junior Kayla Valentine will play third and junior Taylor Soltis will pitch. The rest of the starting lineup will be filled by freshmen.
Haley Domen is projected to start at second, Mia Polumsky will be in left and Megan Ehrhart will play right. Domen also will see time in the circle.
