After graduating 11 seniors in 2024, North’s softball team will look quite a bit different this spring.
The Rangers, who finished 20-8 overall and won the Western Reserve Conference title with a 9-1 record, return three starters and a host of others with varsity experience.
“We are very optimistic going into 2025,” said North coach Matt McPeek. “We are a bit inexperienced at the varsity level after graduating 11 seniors, but this team has shown dedication by having the best offseason commitment in my tenure. Our improvement has been outstanding, and we look for that to continue throughout the season.”
North’s returning starters include John Carroll commitments Ashley Sykes and Brynne Smith, and sophomore catcher Maddy Ferrari.
“Our strength is our leadership by our captains, Ashley Sykes and Brynne Smith, along with other teammates, namely sophomore Maddy Ferrari, and senior Bailey Licht,” McPeek said.
Sykes returns at shortstop while Smith is back at second, Ferrari will catch, and Licht will pitch.
Gianna Latini is slotted to start at first base, Gianna Pintar will play third, and Melanie Okerwall, Olivia Credico, and Bella Dutko, a Bluffton commitment, will play left field, center, and right field, respectively. Sarah Avery will DP and Okerwall will see time in the circle. Holly Mosnik will fill a utility role for the Rangers.
“We believe that we will give everyone we face a tough challenge and will take some of our opponents by surprise,” McPeek said. “Bailey Licht has grown overnight into a No. 1 pitcher and our returning starters from last year have really provided pop in our lineup thus far. We’re also going to be counting on three freshmen to contribute, including pitcher/outfielder Melanie Okerwall, outfielder Giavanna Tirabasso, and infielder Hayden Vahcic.”
North’s inexperience is a challenge but with a spring trip to Myrtle Beach, the Rangers will have the opportunity to grow up in a hurry.
“Experience is the thing we lack most,” McPeek said. “With so many 2024 seniors last year, we
don’t have as much experience at this level. So far, this team has shown in practice and throughout individual offseason workouts and regiments, that they don’t care about that. Myrtle Beach will be a great stepping stone for us to prepare for April and May.”