Hamilton Heights softball fans should get ready to see many new faces when the Huskies begin their season on Monday.
Heights will have a brand-new coaching staff, led by head coach Ken Olovich. In addition, the Huskies will have a young team, with five freshmen on this year’s roster.
The two seniors for Heights this season are Adyson Baber and Lia Williams. Baber, a Saint Mary of the Woods College commit, will lead the Huskies pitching staff after what Olovich called “a very productive 2018 season.” Baber excelled on both sides of the ball, as she pitched to a 9-4 record and 4.18 earned-run average, while batting .338 and hitting three home runs for the season.
Two key juniors that are returning to the lineup are Bayleigh Runner, who hit at a .390 clip last yuear, and Meredith Diller, who averaged .346 at the plate. The sophomore class also has some talent returning: Hayley Greene will hit in the middle of the lineup after an outstanding freshman year, where she slammed seven home runs and batted .419. Kelsie Albright will be an integral member of the pitching staff; she threw 40 innings last year as a freshman.
Other sophomores returning include catcher Kat Cox and first base/outfielder Sydney Massicotte. Three freshmen, Faith Hittle, Alayna Barber and Belle Neiling are expected to play key roles.
Heights opens its season Monday at Zionsville.
HEIGHTS ROSTER
Seniors: Adyson Baber, Lia Williams.
Juniors: Meredith Diller, Harley Green, Bayleigh Runner.
Sophomores: Kelsie Albright, Kat Cox, Hayley Greene, Sydney Massicotte.
Freshmen: Alayna Baber, Sydney Buffum, Ashlyn Fletcher, Faith Hittle, Belle Neiling.
Hamilton Heights’ Kelsie Albright pitched 40 innings last season as a freshman on the Huskies softball team. Albright is one of several sophomores returning to the Heights team this season, which starts Monday at Zionsville. (Richie Hall/File photo)