Senior Maddie Harrison will be called upon to provide leadership for a youthful National Trail softball team this spring.
R-H file photo
NEW PARIS — There will be plenty of changes this season for National Trail’s softball team – with the biggest starting at the top.
After 17 seasons away from the game at the high school level, Lon Swihart returns to guide the Blazers for the 2023 season.
Swihart previously coached Trail from 1994-2005 compiling a 131-75 record.
He inherits a team which graduated five starters and went 11-7 overall and 8-3 in the Western Ohio Athletic Conference.
“(We) graduated five starters, most lettered four varsity seasons, therefore this is a season of opportunity,” he said.
Swihart said the team will rely on senior catcher Maddie Harrison to provide leadership.
“(She is the) returning player with the most experience at her position. (She is a) tremendous positive team leader, no one outworks her,” he said.
Senior Haley Davidson will move from the outfield to shortstop., while Carley Hamm, who spent some time at short last season, will move to third.
Jaleah Coffey will anchor the outfield from her center field position.
“(She’s) a speedster who runs down most anything,” Swihart said.
Katelyn Neace is coming off an injury sustained during basketball season. The senior will play left field.
Trista Hannah, another senior, will be at first base. Miya Ditmer will be at second and Miranda Ott will see time at first base and in the outfield.
Breanna Melling and Morgan House will be in the circle.
The Blazers were scheduled to begin the season on Saturday, March 25 but were rained out.
Trail was scheduled to play at Middletown Madison on Monday, March 27. They are to host Brookville on Wednesday, March 29. On Thursday, they are scheduled to play at Bradford and will travel to Legacy Christian on Friday. They will close out the week by hosting Troy Christian on Saturday.
Reach Eddie Mowen Jr. at 937-683-4061 and follow on Twitter @emowenjr.
