It’s a new season with a new regime for the Youngsville Lady Eagles softball program.

After the departure of Scott Ishman, Neal Kent takes over at the helm for Youngsville for the 2024 season.

Youngsville will be looking to improve on a 2-18 record from a season ago as it again competes in Region 2 alongside Saegertown, Eisenhower, Cambridge Springs, Maplewood, Cochranton, Rocky Grove and Iroquois.

“We would love to improve on last year’s record and play together as a more cohesive team,” said Kent. “Timely hitting and good defense will be key in winning games this season. I am looking forward to these young ladies stepping up and playing their best.”

Kent’s team has the experience to make a definitive jump this season. In all, the Eagles have six seniors and three juniors on the roster.

Leading the way for the seniors are Molly Helman (infield, pitcher), Madison Carnihan (infield, pitcher), Vanessa Romanosky (infield), Marissa VanGuilder (outfield) and Corinthia Edwards (infield). Juniors include Kamden Swearingen (pitcher, infield, outfield), Alyssa Gentz (catcher) and Ireland Abraham (infield).

In addition to the juniors and seniors, the Eagles have four sophomores and a group of five strong incoming freshmen. Rachael Lucks (outfield, infield, pitcher), Haley Gray (outfield, infield), Grace Atwood (infield) and Peyton Kent (infield) are the sophomores while Marli Rectenwald (infield, outfield), Desirae Merritt (infield), Caitlyn Pikna (outfield), Paige Stover (outfield) and Kaylee Bevevino (catcher, infield) are the players competing in their first seasons for the red and white.

In order for the Eagles to win more this season, Kent knows exactly what he needs to see from his team.

“We need our seniors to step up into leadership roles and the underclassmen to give us quality innings this spring,” said Kent. “These girls have a lot of talent and will be able to improve upon last year. Hard work will be key. We must focus on playing as a team and not letting mistakes dictate how we play the rest of the game.”

Above all, Kent wants to see the work the girls have been putting in during the preseason translate to success on the field.

“We would love to win more games this season,” said Kent. “These girls are working very hard and deserve some wins. I would really like the senior girls to have a successful senior season.”