Nicole Lefeld returns to help Tri-County North’s softball team this season.
R-H file photo
LEWISBURG — After spending four seasons as an assistant coach, Shelly Lykins steps into the head coach position this season for Tri-County North’s softball program.
She inherits a team that was 9-8 overall and 5-6 in the Western Ohio Athletic Conference last season.
The Panthers return seven players who are either two- or three-year starters.
Angelia Depoy is a 3-year starter at shortstop. She is the only senior on the roster and was a special mention selection in the WOAC as a junior.
Hannah Webster is another three-year starter and will return at third base.
Juniors Sadie Royer and Nicole Lefeld are both three-year starter and are back to roam
the outfield.
Sophomore Gracie Hemp will see time in the circle and at second base. She was a second team all-WOAC selection as a freshman last season.
Sophomore Kora Lykins returns to handle the catching duties, while sophomore
Kasidi Daugherty will handle some pitching duties and see time at second and in the outfield.
Hope Strawser returns as well and will see time in the outfield.
The Panthers will add junior Azia Singleton and freshmen Bella Cherry, Jordan Pinion, Chloe Jackson, Mackenzie Moyer and Hannah Cole.
Coach Lykins said she believes her team can finish in the top half of the WOAC.
“Our goal is to finish in the top part of the WOAC,” she said. “Overall, we expect big things this year. Our girls trust each other and that’s what’s going to get us through the close games. We are young but confident. Our freshmen class is strong and three of them will see time in the circle in addition to our two returning sophomore pitchers. Our mission this year is “we FIGHT for every WIN”, on and off the field.”
North was scheduled to begin the season on Saturday, March 25 but its doubleheader with Versailles was postponed due to weather conditions.
The Panthers were scheduled to host Northridge on Monday, March 27 and will play at Tri-Village on Thursday, March 30.
Reach Eddie Mowen Jr. at 937-683-4061 and follow on Twitter @emowemjr.
