Charger Softball Program Looks to Get Season Underway

2018 marks a new beginning for the Charger Softball Team. 

"This will be the first time that Edison State has competed in softball in quite some time, so we're starting from scratch," said Head Softball Coach Dan Cain. 

"I expect success and plan to compete right out of the shoot. I know there are athletes on our team that can make wins happen." 

In 2016, the Edison State Athletics Department announced it would add women's softball to its list of intercollegiate athletic programs. 

"Our team motto 'Tradition Starts Now' says it all. The girls I've brought in are from good programs that expect to win. I do not doubt that we will compete with anyone on our schedule." 

The Lady Chargers played ten games in the fall, competing exclusively against four-year colleges. 

"We had a good fall season, and we should have an even better spring." 

Coach Cain, who joins the program having only two losing seasons in his more than 25-year coaching career, has high hopes for his recruits.

"Rayna Brownlee from Piqua doesn't pitch but can play anywhere else on the field. She'll be moved all over the place, and be on of our best hitters as well." 

"Justice Warner from Covington and Emma Miller from Wapakoneta will be two-thirds of our outfield. Both come from good programs and won't be in awe of anything they see. They'll both hit in the top of the order for us." 

"Catching for us will be our first signee, Mackenzie Smith from Graham, she had a good fall, and I expect a strong spring." 

Four athletes will see time on the mound for the Lady Chargers, and all have unique strengths. 

"Lexi Romine from Greenon when not pitching could play anywhere, like Rayna. She'll probably hit anywhere from 3 to 5 in our order and be counted on to drive in runs." 

"Alexis Ontrop from St. Henry when not pitching could play first-base or outfield. She is an off-speed pitcher with a nice left-handed bat." 

"The other two pitchers were late additions to our team. Lexie Long from Covington and Victoria Smith (Tori) from Bradford add depth on the mound, and both will start in the infield for us. Regardless of the team we play, Lexie will always be one of the best players on the field. She can do it all. Tori is a nice contact hitter and a solid second baseman, that's always got a smile on her face." 

"Lauren Baughn, who comes from another quality program at Greenville, will see time at first base or outfield. She has continued to improve in practice and has a great attitude and work ethic." 

"The remaining girls on the team are four girls that approached me about playing, and I'm so glad they did. Katie Poteet from Troy Christian can play outfield, first, or third-base; she'll add some power to our lineup." 

The three remaining players come from Mississinawa Valley. 

"Stephanie Scholl has done a great job anywhere I've placed her, she'll catch, play first or third, maybe even outfield. She's a good hitter with power." 

"Cydney Adams will be one of our outfielders and one of our vocal leaders. She had a good fall and will get an opportunity to play right field. She's a hustler." 

"Lastly, Paige Neargarder will play her first fastpitch season this year, and her improvements have been off the charts. The more she's around the game, the better she'll get." 

"Overall, the team's versatility, attitude, and love of the game will lend itself to wins this season." 

Cain, who will be joined on the field in coaching with Assistant Coaches Nick Clutter and Nick Gwin, went on to express his sentiment for the opportunity to lead the new program. 

"Edison State is lucky to have such a good group of young ladies for this first year of softball. We're thankful for the opportunity to play and all of the support we've received from the college; everyone has been great."

Pictured First row (L to R): Justice Warner, Mackenzie Smith, Emma Miller, Cydney Adams, Paige Neargarder and Stephanie Scholl. Second row (L to R): Lauren Baughn, Lexi Romine, Rayna Brownlee, Victoria Smith, Katie Poteet, Lexie Long and Alexis Ontrop. Third Row (L to R): Head Coach Dan Cain, Assistant Coach Nick Gwin, and Assistant Coach Nick Clutter.