The coach believes that the team will need to play excellent and competitive softball in order to be successful in the county.
New members to keep an eye on: First-year Rileigh Coyle.
The coach, Mike Hernandez, is entering his 14th season.
Up and coming player to keep an eye on: Second-year Hailey Facchine (P).
In the previous season, the record was 13 wins and 8 losses, and the team was defeated by Marriotts Ridge in the regional semifinals.
In 2023, the team lost in the 3A state semifinals with a score of 13-6.
Top players making a comeback: Senior players Kaitlyn Clark, Aislin Cole, and Kayla Garland.
Century
Brian Krista/Carroll County Times
The coach’s perspective: “We have a strong team and are motivated after our loss in the state quarterfinals last year. We have the potential to perform well on offense and defense and are excited to build on our success from last year.”
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The top students returning for another year are senior Jordan Currie and junior Caylee Clark.
The top returners for the team include Kasey Thomas (shortstop), Claire Smith (catcher/third baseman), Alex Carroll (third baseman/catcher), Brooke Sims (outfielder/pitcher), and Grace Wood (outfielder).
Take a glance at several of the teams in Carroll County as we enter 2024: Alayna Enoff, the acclaimed field hockey Player of the Year, will also showcase her skills in softball for South Carroll. The team will seek revenge against FSK after a previous playoff defeat.Francis Scott Key’s Emma Taff, who was a key contributor to last year’s championship winning Eagles team, is expected to be a crucial player again this season as the team aims to defend their county and regional titles. (Photo by Brian Krista/Staff)
Francis Scott Key
Alayna Enoff, the acclaimed field hockey Player of the Year, will also showcase her skills in softball for South Carroll. The team will seek revenge against FSK after a previous playoff defeat.
Kaelin Ault of Liberty High School rejoices after successfully scoring a run during a game against Francis Scott Key last season.
Liberty
The standout players who have returned are Hannah Shipton, a senior, and Briana Collins, a sophomore.
Coach’s perspective: “We have a positive outlook on competing for the top record in our county. Liberty and FSK have strong, returning teams, but all teams should bring a competitive edge.”
Look for coach Lyndzie Hoff to lean on Enoff, Katelyn Abell, Madison Wright and Sophia Pugliese in efforts to regain the regional title they won two years ago, a season in which the Cavaliers ran to the state semifinals.
“The author of the article is Brian Krista, and the publication is Carroll County Times.”
The coaches have a positive view: “Westminster has a strong and seasoned team this season. If we play up to our potential and stay focused, we have the potential to be a strong competitor.”
Top players returning for the upcoming season include Senior Kaelin Ault as catcher, Senior Evelyn Connor at first base, Junior Erin Martin as shortstop, and Junior Hannah DeVincent at third base.
Kasey Thomas of Manchester Valley successfully catches a ground ball in last year’s game. (Photo Credit: Brian Krista/Staff)
Manchester Valley
After tossing over 2,000 pitches, the player who committed to Quinnipiac and is currently the reigning Player of the Year is returning, prepared to guide the Eagles team that not only won the county championship, but also secured the school’s first regional title in more than 25 years.
Some potential rising stars to keep an eye on: First-year student Gabriella Pittinger.
Brian Krista/Carroll County Times
Softball game between Liberty and Francis Scott Key.
Up-and-coming individuals to observe: Not applicable
South Carroll
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The coaching staff’s perspective is to rely on the leadership and knowledge of the senior players as well as the enthusiasm and vigor of the younger players.
2023: 9-12, lost to Northeast in regional final.
The determining factor for Carroll County’s softball season was Jasmine Kline from Francis Scott Key, who was nearly impossible to hit at certain points.
Last season, the Eagles emerged victorious with a regional title after an intense 11-inning game against Liberty. As we move into 2024, the Lions are once again a formidable force with the return of key players such as Hannah DeVincent, who was recognized as the girls soccer Player of the Year last fall. Despite facing defeat in the regional finals for the past two years, the determined senior class of Lions is determined to overcome this challenge.
Westminster
During the previous season, the team’s record was 10-10 and they were defeated by FSK in the regional semifinals.
Coach: April Sexton, seventh season
In his third season, the coach is Stephen Turner.
Potential new additions to keep an eye on: First-year student Maddie Rill.
The softball game between Liberty and Francis Scott Key teams.
Winters Mill
The current coach, Chris Szocik, has been in the position for 16 seasons.
In 2023, the team had a record of 11 wins and 5 losses, but unfortunately, they were defeated in the regional championship by FSK.
The coaches are confident that our team will continue to perform well in the county and region, even though we lost seven seniors to graduation. We have a strong returning group and also have skilled underclassmen who will contribute to our team’s depth in both the field and at bat.
In 2023, the team was crowned county and regional champion, but unfortunately lost in the state quarterfinals to Patterson Mill.
The coach’s name is Kim Perdue and they are entering their fifth year in the position.
