A mix of experienced and young talent propelled the Noblesville softball team to a great season last year, one that didn’t end until the Millers reached the semi-state championship game.
This year, Noblesville again has a mix of talent, both experienced and still young. Six senior and six sophomores, and two juniors, are on the roster for the Millers as they begin their regular season Tuesday by hosting Western Boone.
Noblesville coach Deke Bullard said the Millers have seven of the 10 starters from last year’s semi-state championship game back. That group helped Noblesville to a 21-11 record and its first sectional and regional titles since 2015.
The seniors for Noblesville include four solid hitters. Infielder Emily Minett hit .391 last season, with catcher Julia Furiak right behind her with a .382. Outfielder Abby Brown averaged .350, while infielder Kyleigh Lowry hit at a .291 clip. Junior Chloe Tragesser will play in the infield, and also bring back some big hitting with her .391 average.
Then there are the sophomores, led by Ella White and Maddie Taylor. Both were starters as freshmen last season and made an immediate impact. White, an infielder, hit .466, making her the top returning hitter. Taylor is next in line on offense with a .427, and was also a tough pitcher, throwing 135 innings with 124 strikeouts.
“We are very excited with the results we achieved last year in the season and the tournament and are looking to build upon that success,” said Bullard. Noblesville is ranked fifth in the coaches association’s Class 4A pre-season poll.
After playing WeBo on Tuesday, the Millers will be off for Spring Break, not playing again until April 8 in a home game with Greenfield-Central. Bullard said Noblesville’s schedule will be tougher this season, as it added two-time state champion New Palestine and new Hoosier Crossroads Conference opponent Franklin Central – “there will be no games off from a competition standpoint,” he said.
“As always the HCC will be extremely tough with great competition from all our conference schools,” said Bullard. “We are looking forward to warmer weather and getting the season under way.”’
NOBLESVILLE ROSTER
Seniors: Abby Brown, Julia Furiak, Kyleigh Lowry, Emily Minett, Baily Ryan, Shea Sterret.
Juniors: Rylie Moore, Chloe Tragesser.
Sophomores: Abby Harvey, Rylie Newcomer, Alyssa Solomon, Myah Stuckey, Maddie Taylor, Ella White.
Maddie Taylor (left) and Ella White (right) made immediate impact for the Noblesville softball team as freshmen last year. They both return for their sophomore season. Pictured in the center is junior Chloe Tragesser, who is also back for the Millers. (Richie Hall/File photo)