With almost everyone back from last season, the Carmel softball team is looking forward to a successful campaign in 2019.
The Greyhounds return their top three hitters – including two Division I commits – and pitcher Sommer Edwards for this year’s team. Carmel finished the season 12-17 last year, but had a solid performance in the sectional, stretching eventual champion Noblesville in the sectional final.
“We are returning almost a full roster having only graduated two last year,” said Greyhounds coach Ginger Britton. The coach said her team is expecting to make an impact sooner this season, “hoping to pick up where we finished last year which was a competitive run in our sectional.”
Leading the way on offense is junior Stormy Kotzelnick, who has committed to the University of Washington. Kotzelnick hit .400 last year, leading the team in home runs with seven and runs scored with 34. Right behind her is fellow junior Sarah Goddard, a Duke commit who hit .388 and led Carmel in hits (38), doubles (10) and runs batted in (22). Sophomore Megan Nichols is back after batting .333 last season.
Edwards was solid in the circle for the Greyhounds, while senior Ariana Zdobylak will be a key part of the defense, making some spectacular catches in the sectional final last year. In addition, Britton said there are “some talented freshmen” on the team that are looking to make an immediate contribution. Other returning varsity players also include juniors Cate Harden, Halle Robinson and Maddie Searles, and sophomores Sophia Derziotis and Caroline Roop.
Carmel opens its season on Tuesday, hosting Hamilton Southeastern.
CARMEL VARSITY ROSTER
Seniors: Kaitlyn Grimes, Ariana Zdobylak.
Juniors: Brooke Bair, Sommer Edwards, Sarah Goddard, Cate Harden, Stormy Kotzelnick, Halle Robinson, Maddie Searles.
Sophomores: Sophia Derziotis, Ella Greenawald, Megan Nichols, Caroline Roop.
Freshmen: Kylie Cunningham, Audrey Hussain, Jessica Remm.
JUNIOR VARSITY ROSTER
Sophomores: Heather Freedman, Gabby Gilbert, Marly Ginn, Autumn Jackson, Kristen Jenkins, Olivia Lafferty, Averie Miner, Maria Morales.
Freshmen: Eva Cox, Aubry Norris, Ella Ohrvall, Chloe Rogers, Alyssa Sigman, Maddie Stacy, Maddie Tuttle.