8 UNDERCLASSMEN ON LIST OF LEADERS
By Staff
CANTON – The Canton/Galva girls softball program begins it’s second season in a co-op with Elyria Christian School and looks to improve on a 16-6 record with a full field of returnees to build success with.
In 2022, the Lady Eagles finished 16-6 for the season, placed third in league play and then tied for third at regionals and only lose three key players while returning nearly a full field of experience for 2023.
While shortstop/pitcher Gracie Kidd, first baseman Taygen O’Hara, and center fielder Nicole Miller will be big shoes to fill, Lady Eagles like senior shortstop/pitcher Brecken Pearson will step up to provide leadership in the upcoming season.
Other key returnees for Canton/Galva include junior pitcher Jordan Friesen, junior second baseman Brooke Stephan, and Elyria Christian athletes junior catcher/third baseman Julia Allen and sophomore Raegan Hawkinson.
Entering her third season as head coach of the Lady Eagles, Reann Buchanan has recorded a record of 24-17 so far.
Buchanan noted that four key freshman will be expected to step up and provide daily game time play, they include Jayden Orth, Adi Alcala, Izabella Wedel, and Emma Glendening.
“Our biggest strength at the moment is that we have great numbers,” noted coach Buchanan. “We will have a full field of returnees who play very well together while one weakness we need to address is a couple of important positions where we have to find key players to fill a void.”
Buchanan concluded her pre-season reflections by saying, “Overall, the coaches all agree that we have some work to do this season, but we have seen great things already and we are excited to see what these skilled freshman will bring to the field to add to an already potentially very good, if not great, team.”
(The Staff covering events for the MAC AREA SPORTS NEW can be reached by email at crossdovewriter@gmail.com)