Tipp Softball Preview: Improved softball squad hopes to compete for MVL title
Gone are five key seniors from last year’s team, including most of the major offensive leaders. But after going from seven wins to 14 last season, the Tippecanoe softball team is ready to make another jump to compete at the top of the Miami Valley League standings.
Last year, Tipp finished 14-12, which was much improved from their 7-17 record in 2022. They also improved in the league, going from 5-13 to 9-9 and going from the bottom of the league standings to the middle of the pack. Coach Michael Munns is hoping for continued improvement.
“This year’s team is looking for a chance to enter the top third of the MVL standings and surprise a few of the perennial leading teams,” Munns said. “Overall, we are excited to start our season with a Myrtle Beach Spring Break trip and play teams from West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Virginia, New York, and Tennessee.”
“We hope to bring back that warm weather momentum back home and improve our win total to 20 games. Last year we earned a first-round tournament bye and won our second game before leaving the tournament with a hard-fought loss to Ben Logan. We are striving to go deeper in the playoffs this year.”
Six letterwinners return for Tipp. One senior will highlight the team this year as Gracie Anderson stands alone in that class.
“She will be primarily working the corners of the infield,” Munns said. Meanwhile, some key returning juniors look to make a big impact this year. Ella Henn is currently recovering from a leg injury and her return date is unknown - she was the primary pitcher last year in strikeouts.
Emily Aselage led the team in homeruns last season and will return to shortstop after a successful basketball season. According to Munns, she has been swinging a hot bat in the preseason.
Kyla Fry is another returning junior who returns behind the plate.
Gracie Raiff is another junior and returning all-league player, and will handle things in the outfield and also see some time behind the plate.
The final returning player is sophomore Charlize McCormick, another key outfielder for the Red Devils.
Key newcomers on the roster include junior Rylan Elms, who will pitch and play multiple spots. Abby Chaney also is a junior and a flexible utility player, while Jaina Drum is a sophomore who looks to get some time on the mound. Grace Brooks is another sophomore looking to make a key impact.
Finally, Jocelyn Shelton will see time in both the infield and outfield.
The remaining players this season include juniors Karley Hildreth, Madison Hodapp, Abby Martin along with sophomores Kamryn Lockwood, Kenzi Cooper, Payton Geiman and freshman Rayanna Smith, Aryia Snell, Reagan Knisley, and Brianna Strano.