Ohio Softball Ready To Take On 2025 Season
2/5/2025 2:30:00 PM | Softball
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ATHENS, Ohio — The Ohio softball team is ready to hit the ground running as it prepares for the 2025 season. After a strong offseason, the Bobcats are focused on taking the next step forward, building on their past success and pushing each other to improve.
"We've made a lot of progress in all areas," senior Emma Hoffner (New Stanton, Pa.) said. "Our hitting has really stepped up, and our pitchers are pushing the team to another level. It's about working together with new faces and rising to the challenge from tough opponents."
Head coach Jenna Hall, entering her third season, is excited to see how the team's hard work in the offseason will translate to the field.
"Our upperclassmen have done a great job of bringing everyone together," Hall said. "The team is playing really well, and we feel confident going into the season."
One of the Bobcats' biggest strengths this year is the depth of their roster. They'll have a solid mix of returning players and newcomers, which will help them stay competitive throughout the season.
"We're lucky to have a lot of new talent," senior CiCi Keidel (Hilliard, Ohio) said. "They've made us better in practice, and I think that's going to show on the field."
Ohio will rely on a strong pitching staff, led by Skipp Miller (Bradford, Ohio), the 2023 MAC Freshman Pitcher of the Year. Miller will be joined by fellow pitchers Keegan Moore (South Point, Ohio) and sophomore Mikie Lieving (New Haven, W.Va.), with freshman Anna Wise (Broadview Heights, Ohio) making an impact as a lefty.
On the field, Ohio returns key players such as junior Belle Hummel (Cincinnati, Ohio), a 2023 MAC All-Freshman Team selection, who will provide speed and consistency in the outfield. Junior Shelby Westler (Marion, Ohio) and sophomore Brenna Farmer (Mt. Blanchard, Ohio) will anchor the infield, while senior Maddie Willcox (Grove City, Ohio) and sophomore Izzie Wilson (Delaware, Ohio) bring added depth to the outfield. Westler is coming off a standout 2024 season, in which she posted a .323 batting average with four home runs and 19 RBI.
Ohio's 2025 season kicks off at the Elon Softball Classic on February 6, where the Bobcats will face North Carolina Central and Elon. They'll continue the road trip at the Bear Down Fiesta in Tucson, Arizona, taking on Cal State Fullerton, South Alabama, and Arizona from February 14 to 16.
"The trip to Arizona sticks out to us this season," Keidel shared. "Most of us haven't been out to the West Coast before to play, so it's going to be exciting."
The Bobcats' schedule also includes trips to the Lowcountry Classic in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, and the Purple/Gold Challenge in Nashville, Tennessee. Ohio will return home to Ohio Softball Field for its home opener on March 13, hosting Stonehill College and Detroit Mercy. MAC play begins on March 21 against Buffalo, with key matchups against Miami, Kent State, and a nonconference go against Ohio State later in the season. Ohio was picked to finish No. 1 in the MAC Preseason Coaches Poll.
"Our team works well together both on and off the field," Hoffner said. "When we have strong relationships, it makes us play better. We're ready to take on whatever challenges come our way this season."
Ohio's hunger for victory and commitment to teamwork will drive it throughout the season, making it one to watch.
#OUOhyeah
