What can the Canton Golden Bears Softball team do for an encore after their magical run in the spring of 2021 when the Bears won the overall Section X title and finished ranked number seven in the state? If you ask head Coach Mike Wentworth and Coach Kacie Brabaw what to expect, they will stick to the script and probably say they just hope to be competitive, but they have to be excited.
Canton lost to graduation six outstanding seniors in Emily Wentworth (Playing at Grove City College), Lexi Huiatt, Natalie Warner, Meg Davis, Hadleigh Thornton and Brooke Larrabee (Playing at SLU) but they also return six starters from last year’s team including their entire battery in pitchers, Hadley Alguire who was the Times MVP and the hard throwing sophomore, Ava Hoy. Returning behind the dish is first Team All Northern Cate DeCoteau. Other starters returning for the Bears will be Gold Glove infielder Sydnee Francis, Silver Slugging Lucy DeCoteau and the speedy Courtney Peters. “It was very exciting to see this talented group walk into practice on March 14th. They all played a lot of innings and were a big part of our team’s success last year. I am excited to see what they can do this spring” stated Head Coach Mike Wentworth. Three other upperclassmen returning and looking to make their own mark on the diamond are seniors Brianna Rogers, Alyssa Jacob and Hailey Jordan. “All three seniors have worked very hard over the off season and have made big improvements.
First year players that are looking to make an immediate impact on the diamond are juniors Olivia Sero, Abby Woodruff, Maddy Mitchell and sophomore Katie Metcalf. “These four are moving up from a strong JV program ready to step in and contribute right away. I am expecting big things from the group.” from Coach Wentworth. Also on the team this year looking to make a comeback after not playing the last two years is junior Carmon Mussen.
Section X Softball is going to be very competitive this year with a lot of good teams and some experienced pitchers returning to the circle. Things are wide open in all three divisions. A lot comes down to the weather and players staying healthy. Canton is just hoping to be in the mix at the end.
The Bears are scheduled to open up the season at home on Monday April 4th against the Heuvelton Bulldogs. First pitch is at 4:30pm.
Team members include: Seniors: Cate DeCoteau, Alyssa Jacob, Brianna Rogers, Hailey Jordan. Juniors: Hadley Alguire, Sydnee Francis, Courtney Peters, Olivia Sero, Abby Woodruff, Kayla Larrabee, Maddy Mitchell, Carmen Mussen. Sophomores: Ava Hoy, Lucy DeCoteau, Katie Metcalf.
Plaindealer Sports 