BY CHRIS MANNINGNorthern Tier Sports Report
It’s a changing of the guard for Canton softball as they welcome a new coach along with an influx of freshmen as the program looks to turn things around.
“It’s exciting,” new coach Kareem Ragab said. “It’s exciting because I think the older girls are embracing the leadership and showing these younger girls this is how we get better. I think it’s a good combination of older and younger players.”
He’s got a nice player to build around in Jaylee Ward, whose been one of the best players in the league since she came in as a freshman.
“It’s a nice luxury to have,” Ragab said. “I think her next step is leadership, really owning the team and moving these girls around, and holding them to a standard - not just us as coaches, but that player leadership.”
For her part Ward can’t wait to get back on the softball field.
“I’m excited for these younger girls, the freshmen,” she said. “We’re getting a lot in, and I’m excited to see what we can do this year.”
Ward was one of the top hitters in the area a year ago, and she’s worked hard to get even better.
“The little things I can do inside,” she remarked. “And I’ve been working out to get stronger as an individual. I’m excited by hitting, it’s my favorite thing, and I enjoy it a lot. I just can’t want to see what I can do this year on the field.”
Ward and Tara Gilbert both shared time in the circle last season, and they’ll be joined by freshman Raya Preston, which makes Gilbert happy.
“Honestly, the past years we’ve struggled finding pitchers, so it gives us a big relief,” said Gilbert.
Ragab is excited to see what the freshman can do in the circle.
“She wants the ball,” he said. “She’ll be one to keep an eye on.”
He also noted Alyssa May behind then plate, as well.
“She’s a fantastic catcher,” remarked Ragab. “She hits the ball very well. I think I have a good combination of girls, and everything’s up for grabs.”
After a few years in the wilderness the Warriors are hoping this is the year they break through, and make it to districts.
“We struggled the past few years, and I think this year our team has the confidence to go to districts,” Gilbert said. “We’ve been focusing on conditioning, and hitting and fielding, mostly.”
It’s been tough for Canton, and all teams, with the weather whiplash keeping them inside more than out despite this being the third week of the season.
“It’s been very tough,” Gilbert said. “The weather has not worked with us well, but we’ve found ways to work around that.”
As for expectations, Ragab is taking it day by day.
“You’ve got to watch the expectations,” he explained. “You have to make them achievable, but yet have that fine line where you’re also pushing them. District playoffs, that’s our goal, but every day just get better slowly. If we can get into the district playoffs, we could be a team to watch.”
ROSTER (Grade)
Cyra Hugo (11)
Nevaeh Vroman (11)
Jaylee Ward (11)
Lexi McMurray (9)
Trinity Acla (10)
Tiffany Acla (12)
Alyssa May (11)
Lindley Sechrist (9)
Emilee Walker (9)
Amelia Pepper (9)
Fiona Carra (9)
Maybe Mayer (9)
Nevaeh McArdle (9)
Skylar Gowin (10)
Layla Deming (9)
Emma McGhee (12)
Tara Gilbert (12)
Lucy Proseus (9)
Kabry Kendell (9)
Raya Preston (9)
SCHEDULE
Mar 21 at Sayre, 11 a.m.
Mar 24 at CV, 4:30 p.m.
Mar 26 vs NEB, 4:30 p.m.
Mary 28 at Bucktail, 3 p.m.
April 4 vs Williamson, 4:30 p.m.
April 7 vs Towanda, 4:30 p.m.
April 9 vs NPL, 4:30 p.m.
April 11 at Troy, 4:30 p.m.
April 14 vs Sayre, 4:30 p.m.
April 16 vs CV, 4:30 p.m.
April 18 at Millville, 1 p.m.
April 21 at NEB, 4:30 p.m.
April 25 vs Wellsboro, 1 p.m.
April 28 at Williamson, 4:30 p.m.
April 30 at Wellsboro, 4:30 p.m.
May 5 vs Wyalusing, 4:30 p.m.
May 7 at Athens, 4:30 p.m.
May 9 at Wyalusing, 11 a.m.
May 11 vs Troy, 4:30 p.m.
May 15 at Montgomery, 4:30 p.m.
