The 2025 softball season is nearly underway, and area teams are stepping into the spring with high expectations, veteran leadership, and waves of young talent. From recent powerhouses like Daviess County to squads building for the future, here’s a look at what to expect from each local team.
Apollo
After falling to Owensboro Catholic in the first round of last year’s district tournament, the E-Gals return the majority of their position players and enter the season with cautious optimism.
“Even though we are young we have some experience, so we are trying to build on last season and be competitive,” head coach Stephen Julian said.
Pitching duties will be handled by Mollie Julian, Hannah Holder, Arianna Ramirez, and Emersyn Bullington. Julian and Holder combined for 30 starts and 203 innings last year, posting 2.38 and 3.72 ERAs, respectively.
Ramirez led the offense last season with a .420 average, three home runs, and 22 RBIs. Veteran Abbie Butterworth brings leadership, while Lisa Page anchors the defense. Tyler Hall, Holder, Julian, and Addison Bowman are also expected to be key offensive contributors.
Sophomore Madalyn Roberts and freshmen Sydney Stallings, Gracie Beth Parker, and Bella Feldpausch are in the mix for starting roles. Eighth grader Keelan Wettstain could be a difference-maker with both her bat and glove.
Apollo hasn’t made the regional tournament since 2019, and Julian hopes this is the year that changes.
Daviess County
The Lady Panthers are chasing a sixth straight 3rd Region title after reaching the second round of the state tournament last year, where they were eliminated by Assumption.
“The way things have gone in the last couple of years in that second round our bats seem to be a lot quieter than they had in the regular season,” head coach John Biggs said. “That is one thing we are going to try to work on this year.”
Daviess County returns eight hitters who batted over .300. Annie Newman led the way in 2024, hitting .512 with 11 home runs and 68 RBIs. Senior Sadie Morris was a perfect 20-for-20 in stolen bases, while Kylie Clark hit .429 with seven doubles. Shelby Bennett, Callie Smith, Molly Hancock, Briley Henry, and Danielle Beckwith round out the returning offensive threats.
Biggs is emphasizing smarter at-bats and reducing strikeouts to stay productive in the postseason.
Pitchers Kamryn Timmons and Sophia Caine combined for 215.2 innings last year and will lead the staff again, with Story Hume expected to take on a larger role.
“This group of kids in our program have only seen regional championships and going to the state tournament,” Biggs said. “They also understand the hard work and what it takes to achieve those goals.”
Hancock County
After winning the 11th District title, Hancock County fell to Daviess County in the 3rd Region championship. The Lady Hornets lost five seniors, including ace Lily Roberts, but return a competitive mix of experience and youth.
Pitchers Jordyn Waltrip, Bella Bryant, Ryleigh French, and Ansley House combined for 23 appearances last season and will be counted on more heavily in 2025.
At the plate, senior Baylee Estes hit .460 and broke the school record with 47 stolen bases. Audrey Carnes batted .413, and Ava Riggs went a perfect 9-for-9 on the basepaths.
The Lady Hornets have high expectations: a 20-win season, titles in the All-A Classic and 11th District, and a run at the 3rd Region crown.
McLean County
In her second year at the helm, head coach Rileigh Bobo is focusing on growth and consistency for a young but motivated Lady Cougars roster.
The team returns three seniors: Shelby Rickard, Brooklyn Whitworth (2B/OF), and Abby Walker (1B). Juniors Leah Searcy and Kylie Rickard will provide stability and leadership.
Seventh grader Ava McCarty made a strong impression last season, striking out 18 batters across 43 innings. Now a year older, she’s expected to play a bigger role in the circle.
“I have been with these seniors since they were in eighth grade,” Bobo said. “I am looking forward to seeing what these seniors bring to the table.”
Owensboro
The Lady Devils lost to Daviess County in the first round of the district tournament last year and graduated seven key contributors. In their place steps a wave of young talent and returning experience.
Top returners include first baseman Hessi Johnson (.423, 3 HR, 21 RBIs), outfielder Addison Hill, catcher Kaysi Burden, second baseman Elli Embry, and utility player Hayley Sikes. They’ll be joined by returning players Ayrish Barksdale, India Allgood, and Taylor Sowders, as well as middle schoolers Braylee Criss and Kylee Welch. Senior Kirsten Tindle returns to the team after a year off.
“Hitting is contagious as everyone always says,” head coach Quincy Moorman said. “We have some strong bats at the top… May not be power hitters but they put balls in play and put pressure on the defense.”
Alyssa Rhineburger, who led the team in innings last year, returns as the ace.
“We know it’s going to take some time to get some of the younger, less experienced players up to speed at the varsity level,” Moorman said. “But that’s part of our role as coaches — to get the players experience and confidence to compete at the varsity level, regardless of age.”
Owensboro Catholic
The Lady Aces knocked off Apollo in the district tournament before falling to Daviess County and Hancock County to end their postseason run. With a strong returning core, Catholic has its sights set on competing for both All-A and regional titles.
The team returns three senior leaders: shortstop Gracie Dukate, third baseman Tyranda Stuart (.369, 7 HR, 32 RBIs), and centerfielder Hannah Tignor.
“Those three have experience from playing the last couple years and have been starters for a few years,” head coach Jeremy Phelps said. “We are looking at those three for senior leadership and to be the staple of our team.”
Returning starters include second baseman Lily Logsdon, first baseman Harper Latham, and left fielder Maren Riney. In the circle, Hannah Robbins is back after pitching 180 of the team’s 211.1 innings in 2024 and posting a 3.27 ERA.
Trinity (Whitesville)
The Lady Raiders’ 2024 season ended in heartbreak with a narrow first-round loss to Butler County in the 12th District tournament. But with most of the roster returning, Trinity is ready to make noise in 2025.
Seniors Sarah Payne (.379, 3 HR) and Madison McDaniel (.429, 12 RBIs) lead a young team with no juniors. Despite her age, eighth grader Kendall Howard is a proven contributor, batting .429 last year. Shortstop Ella Morris and third baseman Sophie Hatfield are key defensive players.
Sophomore pitcher Sophie Hatfield is coming off a standout season with a 2.90 ERA and 154 strikeouts in 130.1 innings.
“My girls have a lot of heart and they play a lot of sports,” head coach Jessica Morris said. “They just come out and give it their all. In the end, I think that helps you more than anything.”
Trinity has its sights set on reaching the regional tournament — and believes it has the pieces to make it happen.
