LINDEN — By all accounts, North Montgomery softball had one of their most successful seasons in recent memory a season ago. Their nine wins were the most in a single season since 2008. The Chargers graduated just two seniors from last years successful squad in Jaymie Freeman and Cascie Keller. Now the Chargers look ready to improve off of their 2023 season as they open up the 2024 campaign Wednesday at home against Sheridan.
Notable returners for the Chargers include do-it-all junior Piper Ramey. Ramey absolutely crushed the ball last season hitting .519 with 37 runs driven in on 40 hits. In the circle Ramey struck out 104 hitters in 90.1 innings. Sophomore Ella McManomy was second behind Ramey a season ago with a .427 average and scored 31 runs. Fellow sophomore Sophia Shea hit .328 and scored 32 runs for the Chargers.
Charger coach Rob Earley has always measured his team’s success on how the overall improvement they show from day one to the end of the year. That philosophy hasn’t changed as his team gets ready for another season.
“Most are returning from last years team which made some noise and I see us continuing to build this program into a more consistent product for the community to come watch and enjoy,” he said. “I always stress improvement from day one to the last game is how I measure success and this upcoming season should continue that trend. Sophia and Ella and many other of the returning players have gained, strength, knowledge, confidence and the love for the game.”
Another player that will look to help the Chargers this season is sophomore Hope Delp. Last year Delp was the Chargers No. 2 behind Ramey in the circle and was able to eat up some innings for the Chargers.
“Hope has made great strides in improvement as a pitcher along with her improved fielding skills , stronger arm and a more powerful bat she will bring a boost to her team. This year group of girls are a hungry, tight nit group that has been pushing each other so far in conditioning and practice. They are coachable and could provide a ton of flexibility in the defensive scheme of things.”
Other Chargers that will look to provide some depth include juniors Blair Nichols, Faith Shirar, Emma Pyle, and the lone senior for North in Megan Raff.”
Key games this season for the Chargers include April 20 with their first county game at Southmont. The Chargers take on Crawfordsville May 7 & 8 and then conclude the South series at home on May 16.
