The Aegis 2024 high school softball preview: Fallston’s Maddy Burns, Patterson Mill’s Savannah Reedy start hot

The first days of the Harford County softball season may be a good indicator for what’s to come the next two months.

In their respective openers, Fallston’s Maddy Burns went 4-for-4 with eight RBIs in Fallston’s 14-0 shutout against Edgewood and Savannah Reedy got Patterson Mill off to a hot start belting three home runs –– yes, three –– in a 21-2 win versus Aberdeen.

Burns and Reedy are surely two names making an early case for Player of the Year consideration. Between the two power hitters, a slew of first-year coaches and a reigning state semifinalist, area softball is shaping up for an overflow of intrigue.

Here’s a look around the area (Editor’s note: not all teams responded to requests for information):

Aberdeen

Coach: Amelia Speed, first season

Last year: 2-12

Top returners: Seniors Elli Xavier (Util.) and Abby Moore (C).

Newcomers to watch: Sophomores Carly Singleton (1B) and Madalyn Hopp (SS); freshman Selena Johnson (OF/P).

Coach’s outlook: “Our goal for this season is to beat the team Aberdeen was last season. We’re in a building year and are looking forward to seeing the progress/improvements the girls can make throughout.”

Bel Air

Coach: Nicole Cosgrove, sixth season

Last year: 7-15, regional champs

Top returners: Senior Ava Vecchioni (INF) and Kalea Stein (OF); juniors Sofia Gallahue (P) and Addison Hessler (Util.); sophomores Sadie Whittaker (P/OF), Amelia Mason (C), Anna Tacket (INF) and Lizzie Zarsona (INF).

Newcomers to watch: Junior Aubrey Buckmaster (P); sophomores Claire Bowden (INF) and Alessia DiLorenzo (OF); freshmen Alaina Torrence (INF/C), Leah McGivern (Util), and Gabrielle Watts (OF).

Coach’s outlook: “We are looking forward to the 2024 season. We have 11 players that either played varsity last year or were moved up during playoffs returning for this season. We are a very young team consisting of two seniors, three juniors, six sophomores and three freshmen. Our goal is to compete again this year for a 3A regional championship and to advance to the state tournament.”

C. Milton Wright

Coach: Jeff Dwyer, fourth season

Last year: 8-9

Top returners: Senior Maddie Youngworth (C/Util.); juniors Kendra Miller (SS) and Noelle Beavers (C/3B); and sophomore Izzy Youngworth (P/Util.).

Newcomers to watch: Freshmen Brooke Lusby (1B/OF), Julianna McJilton (OF) and Maddy Hoskins (P/Util.).

Coach’s outlook: “The Mustangs were much improved and competitive in 2023 and are expected to show improvement as well in 2024. The talented Youngworth sisters are back, and 2022 all-division player Noelle Beavers is back from injury. Along with 2023 all-division player Miller and talented incoming freshmen form a good nucleus for CMW in 2024. CMW is still a young team but is hopeful to build upon a much-improved 2023 season. CMW has to take it to the next level and win close games with the better teams in the region.”

Edgewood

Coach: Isabella Bungo, third season

Last year: 6-9

Top returners: Seniors Melani Natua-Borja and Juliet Sanchez; juniors Valeria Gutierrez, Mekiyah Stevens and Olivia Nerad.

Newcomers to watch: Freshmen Sierra Gaither (2B/OF/C) and Audriana Hansen (P).

Coach’s outlook: “I think we have the potential and skill to be a very competitive team. We need to work on working together on the field and in our batting line up to set us up for success this season.”

Fallston

Coach: Brian Frist, first season

Last year: 12-6, regional semifinalist

Top returners: Seniors Maddy Burns (P/CF) and Aleisa Rowe (INF); sophomores Sara Frist (C/OF), Allyson Underwood (P/3B) and Abigail Marmen (1B/INF).

Newcomers to watch: Sophomore Mary Pfaff (P/Util.) and freshman May Ambrose (Util./C).

Coach’s outlook: “This year’s Cougars softball team has a strong returning core of talented players. The team has experience and depth in all aspects of the game. Anchored by 2023 All-County first team and All-Metro second team player Maddy Burns (0.89 ERA with 99 strikeouts in 63 innings and a batting average of .475), and the strong bats and defensive play of sophomores Abigail Marmen, Allyson Underwood and Sara Frist, Fallston’s ‘team first philosophy will be the driving force. The Fallston Cougars are ready to compete with any team and motivated to achieve their full potential, this season and beyond.”

Harford Tech

Coach: Mac McClaskey, first season

Last year: 11-11

Top returners: Seniors Abby Reed (P), Aubrey Gump (Util.), Katie Burr (Util.) and Taylor Daniele (Util.); junior Mikayla McJilton (P); sophomore Lyric Strong (Util.).

Newcomers to watch: Juniors Shiloh Wall (P) and EJ Rapp (Util.); freshmen Violet Mulieri (C) and Evelyn Colby (Util.).

Coach’s outlook: “In our division, we want to be competitive against every team after losing six to graduation.”

Havre de Grace

Coach: Jeff Thompson, fifth season

Last year: 10-8

Top returners: Seniors Alysa Kaptain (OF), Ashley Kovacsics (1B) and Brook Wolinski-Butz (2B); juniors Bayleigh Carstetter (OF), Dayley Veres (Util.), Kinsey Mentzer (C), and Lillia Dalton (P); sophomores Emily Wagenfeiler (OF), Ryleigh Curry (INF/Util.), Sophia Fruchey (OF/P) and Sarah Weitzel (3B/Util.).

Newcomers to watch: Senior Keira Thornton (OF); freshmen Taylor Martinovich (P/OF) and Brielle Croxsell (OF).

Coach’s outlook: “Don’t let our identical 2022/23 season records fool anyone. The Lady Warriors made tremendous progress during our 2023 season growing closer as a team and learning to work together through adversity. The lessons learned will prove invaluable as we strive to take a huge leap forward this year. The team is highly motivated and ready to face whatever the 2024 season throws at them. The coaching staff could not be more proud of these talented student athletes.”

John Carroll

Coach: Sherry Hudson, ninth season

Last year: 15-4, IAAM A Conference finalist

Top returners: Seniors Julia Wilkes (P), Sydney Dawson (OF), Sophie Anderson (INF), Sydney Barker (OF), Brianna Hinkleman (OF) and Addison Kropkowski (INF); juniors Ryan Pindell (OF), Kallissa Coats (INF) and Juliana Aragon (C); Savannah Claycomb (P/OF).

Newcomers to watch: Freshman Emily Hildt (P/1B).

Coach’s outlook: “We have a challenging schedule. We should be competitive in every game in the IAAM A Conference. Looking forward to the teams from Harford County that we will play and the Easter Tournament in Glen Burnie.”

Joppatowne

Coach: Jim VanHorn, 10th season

Last year: 6-13

Top returners: Senior Abby VanHorn (C/IF) and Temitooe Ojo (2B/OF); juniors Taylor Horsey (INF), Zaria Barbour (OF) and Ashley Merson (P/1B).

Newcomers to watch: Freshmen Mariah Crossett (P/INF) and Avery Bowens (Util).

Coach’s outlook: “I like our kids and we have a strong returning core. Our pitching will be deeper this season and it will need to be as our league is strong. I believe our kids will compete.”

North Harford

Coach: Linda Cisco, first season

Last year: 7-12

Top returners: Senior Mackenzie Dunaway (3B/Util.); juniors Brianna Billings (2B/OF/Util.) and Ava Wimer (OF/2B); and sophomore Ashlie McMillan (P/1B).

Newcomers to watch: Freshmen Alison Smithson (P/3B) and Mikaila Eltringham (C/Util.).

Coach’s outlook: “I believe we have a strong pitching and catching core, which years of experience has shown to be a key factor to the technical success of the team. In addition to our pitching and catching, I feel we have very strong batting throughout our roster. More importantly, I have been blessed with a group of young athletes that seem to truly enjoy each other’s company and playing together as a cohesive unit. I have found these young ladies to be very coachable and receptive to new ideas and concepts.”

Patterson Mill

Coach: Jeff Horton, ninth season

Last year: 19-4, state semifinalist

Top returners: Senior Kaylyn Pulket (OF); juniors Lily Baldwin (P/IF), Mackenzie Knight (OF), Savannah Reedy (SS), Audrey March (P/IF) and Izzy Hiebler (C); sophomores Ava Ward (3B/C) and Kaelyn Higley (OF).

Newcomers to watch: Freshmen Amanda Redmiles (P), Addison Talts (2B/OF), Cadence Phister (2B/OF) and Charley Millard (3B/OF)

Coach’s outlook: “While last year was slated to be our rebuilding year, we look like a more balanced team age-wise this year. With one returning senior and five returning junior starters, we’ll look to our sophomores and freshmen to help fill the holes in our lineup. If the incoming freshmen can hold their own and the returners take the next step forward, there’s a chance that we can once again be competitive in the Chesapeake Division.”