BY CHRIS MANNINGNorthern Tier Sports Report
A young Canton softball team battled through a tough season as the young team took their lumps during the league season, but saw success in non-league contests.
Canton finished up 3-17, going 0-3 in their first few games before picking up a 13-11 win over Bucktail - who would eventually be the district runners-up and state qualifiers.
After five more losses they beat Millville (17-2), battled Wellsboro (12-9) to a tough loss, and then rolled past Sayre (13-3) for their lone league win.
They would play a pair of close games late in the season, falling 4-1 to district semifinalists Wyalusing, and then nearly toppling Montgomery (19-15), who ended up being the top seed in the Class A playoffs.
“This is my final year after 12 years of coaching,” said coach Darryl Jannone. “The main thing I want to thank my girls for is staying true to our Warrior ethos and our belief in controlling the only two things they own… attitude and effort. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to be a Warrior Coach.”
Jaylee Ward led the team at the plate with a .564 average with seven doubles, one home run, 12-RBI and 23 runs scored. She only struck out once on the season.
In the circle Ward tossed 43 1/3-innings with 34 strikeouts on the season.
Charleigh Anderson (.343) and Tara Gilbert (.309) both hit over .300 on the year. Anderson had 12 runs scored, while Gilbert had four doubles and 11-RBI.
Gilbert also spent most of the time in the circle, with 52 2/3-innings, striking out 45 on the season.
Addi Pepper added 11-RBI and 16 runs scored, as Alyssa May had 13-RBI and 13 runs scored. Nevaeh Vroman chipped in with 10 runs batted in.
The Warriors had just two seniors on the team - Pepper and Audrey Bastion - so with seven of nine starters returning look for Canton to improve in 2026.
