One key returnee is junior Abby Landrum, who was named first-team all-Southwest Ohio Conference as an outfielder-pitcher last season. The right-hander, who pitched in 10 games last season, takes over as the No. 1 pitcher for Edgewood, which finished 12-14 last season.
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Also back is sophomore shortstop Jenna Smith, a second-team all-conference pick in 2018 after leading the Cougars with a .413 batting average, and catcher-infielder Erin Robinson, who produced a team-high 14 runs batted in last season.
Junior second baseman-outfielder Sarah Schiavone is a “versatile defensive player that handles the bat well,” Buckenmyer said. Schiavone also can play shortstop, while classmate Jenna Evans can play catcher or second base and is an “excellent defensive player with a powerful bat,” Buckenmyer observed.
Sophomore outfielder Ashley Shannon was Edgewood’s second-leading hitter with a .394 average last season. Buckenmyer expects sophomore newcomer Maggie Rednour to step in at first base.
Edgewood’s only senior, outfielder C.J. Hartley, is in her first varsity season, but that doesn’t mean she hasn’t contributed in the past.
“We would definitely like to have more than one senior, but C.J. has done everything we have asked of her so far and will definitely contribute this season,” Buckenmyer said.
Edgewood, which last won an outright SWOC title in 2017 and lost 10-0 to top-seeded and regional semifinalist Mason in last season’s Division I district semifinals, is scheduled to open the season at Beavercreek on Tuesday at 5 p.m. The Cougars’ aren’t due to play their SWOC opener until April 1 at 5 p.m. against Northwest at Edgewood.
“As for the SWOC, Harrison and Ross are the favorites this season, but I think we have the potential to challenge them for the title,” Buckenmyer said.
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