LebCo Softball Season Outlook: 2026

The 2026 high school softball season has arrived, and across Lebanon County, each team enters the spring with its own path to follow. Northern Lebanon is coming off a banner postseason run, ELCO and Annville-Cleona are looking to stay in the mix, and Cedar Crest, Lebanon, and Palmyra all head into the year trying to turn returning pieces and young talent into progress on the field. From experienced pitchers and proven bats to new coaches and fresh opportunities, there is no shortage of intrigue as Annville-Cleona, Cedar Crest, ELCO, Lebanon, Northern Lebanon, and Palmyra open the season.

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Annville-Cleona Dutchmen 

Lancaster Lebanon League

Section 4

Head Coach: Amber Rexrode – 3rd season

Key Returners: Abigail Evans (Sr., CF), Summer Light (Sr., INF), Temperence Brubaker (Jr., P), Zoe Miller (Jr., P), Breelyn Pulaski (So., UTL)

Rising Contributors: Peyton Elder (Jr., C)

Key Losses: Morgan Long, Danika Setlock, Faith Wagner

2025 Record: 12-7, 6-2 in Section 4, finished 2nd in LL Section 4, LL League playoff qualifier

Season Outlook

Annville-Cleona has plenty of reason to feel motivated heading into 2026 after a strong season that still ended just short of a District 3 Playoff berth. The Dutchmen went 12-7 last year, finished second in LL Section 4, and qualified for the LL playoffs, giving them a solid base to build on this spring.

The Dutchmen bring back a strong core led by seniors Abigail Evans and Summer Light, who return as starters in center field and the middle infield. That veteran presence should help set the tone for a team aiming to stay competitive again.

In the circle, Annville-Cleona returns its junior pitching duo of Temperence Brubaker and Zoe Miller. Brubaker is coming off an impressive sophomore season in which she earned First Team All-Section 4 honors after going 4-3 with a 2.65 ERA, 66 strikeouts, and only 18 walks in 60.2 innings. She held opposing hitters to a .272 average and gives the Dutchmen a proven arm to build around.

Another important piece is Breelyn Pulaski, who returns after suffering an injury late last season. Pulaski is expected to make a difference as a utility player and as a bat in the lineup, giving Annville-Cleona another boost on both sides of the ball.

The Dutchmen are also excited about Peyton Elder, a junior who is stepping into the catcher position and could make an impact right away.

The goal is clear for Annville-Cleona: get back into District 3 Playoff contention and finish the job this time. After falling just short last season, that disappointment should serve as motivation for a returning group that now has another year of experience. With solid leadership, returning pitching, and the addition of a healthy Pulaski back into the mix, the Dutchmen have reason to believe they can be right back in the hunt.

Cedar Crest Falcons 

Lancaster-Lebanon League

Section 1

Head Coach: Joe Gates – 1st season

Key Returners: Addison Nolen (Sr.), Kate Poorman (Sr.), Julia Cole (Jr.), Angelina Orosco (Jr.), Mia Lutz (So.), Elli Malinoski (So.), Ava Rosario (So.)

Rising Contributors: Ali Groff (So., 2B), Paige Vandett (So., UTL), Jackie Funderburk (Fr., SS)

Key Losses: Lydia McClintic

2025 Record: 5-14, 2-8 in league play

Season Outlook

A new chapter begins at Cedar Crest with Joe Gates stepping in to lead the Falcons after a 5-14 season that included a 2-8 mark in league play. With much of the roster back and only one graduation loss, Cedar Crest has a chance to take a meaningful step forward as it looks to become more competitive in Section 1.

The Falcons return a pair of important seniors in Addison Nolen and Kate Poorman. Poorman was one of Cedar Crest’s top offensive producers last season, batting .382 with a .413 on-base percentage, 21 hits, 5 doubles, 25 RBI, and 16 runs scored. She also earned Honorable Mention recognition in LL Section 1 at third base. Nolen anchored the pitching staff as a junior, throwing 33.2 innings with 2 complete games and 20 strikeouts while providing steady leadership in the circle.

Cedar Crest also brings back juniors Julia Cole and Angelina Orosco, along with a sophomore group that includes Mia Lutz, Elli Malinoski, and Ava Rosario. Rosario stood out at second base last season, earning Honorable Mention in Section 1 after batting .425 with a .550 OBP, 20 hits, 15 RBI, and 25 runs scored. Lutz also gave the Falcons a boost offensively, hitting .333 with a .508 OBP while scoring 15 runs and driving in 11, which also earned her Honorable Mention all-section recognition.

The Falcons should also get help from Ali Groff, Paige Vandett, and Jackie Funderburk as they continue building depth. Groff gives Cedar Crest another sophomore option at second base, Vandett adds versatility, and Funderburk is a freshman who could help at shortstop.

With experienced returners, a productive sophomore class, and a new coaching voice in place, Cedar Crest has pieces to build around. The next step is turning that returning talent into more consistency and a stronger push in Section 1.

2025 LebCo All-County Softball Team

ELCO Raiders  

Lancaster Lebanon League

Section 3

Head Coach: Cory Derr – 2nd season

Key Returners: Abigail Ruth (Sr.), Kenzie Deeks (Sr.), Chloe Shirk (Sr.), Makayla Noll (Jr.), Justine Geyer (So.), Kylee Cruz (So.)

Rising Contributors: Madelynn Henry (Sr.), Layla Werner (Jr.), Sophie Werner (Fr.)

Key Losses: Abby Hassler, Gabby Smith, Morgan Wilson

2025 Record: 16-6, 4-4 in Section 3, District 3 Class 4A semifinalist

Season Outlook

ELCO will try to follow up a strong 2025 season by proving it can still be a factor even after the loss of some major pieces. The Raiders went 16-6 last year while playing in LL Section 3 and reached the District 3 Class 4A semifinals, but replacing Gabby Smith will be one of the team’s biggest challenges after she put together a Lebanon County Player of the Year season that rewrote records in the circle and at the plate. Along with Morgan Wilson, she leaves behind production that will not be easy to replace.

Even so, ELCO brings back a lineup with proven bats and a core of experienced players. Chloe Shirk returns after batting .431 with 35 RBI last season, while Abigail Ruth and Kenzie Deeks also helped provide power in the lineup. Deeks recently committed to Drew University for softball, adding another notable piece to ELCO’s returning senior group. Justine Geyer is another key piece after a strong freshman season in which she hit .375 with a .430 on-base percentage, 27 hits, 26 RBI, 14 runs scored, and 6 extra-base hits, including a home run.

The Raiders also bring back Makayla Noll and Kylee Cruz, giving them a group that has already shown it can contribute at the varsity level. Coach Cory Derr said ELCO still has good bats in the lineup, which should help the Raiders stay competitive as they work to replace some major graduation losses.

ELCO will also look for Madelynn Henry, Layla Werner, and Sophie Werner to make an impact as rising contributors.

The goal is straightforward: play hard and give everything the team has every time out. With several important pieces back and a lineup that should still be able to produce, ELCO has a foundation to remain competitive and keep building off last season’s success.

Lebanon Cedars

LancasterLebanon League

Section 2

Head Coach: Tyler Roth – 6th season

Key Returners: Kenidee Gilbert (Sr., C), Rayven Soliday (Jr., CF/P), Makenzie Swisher (Jr., 2B), Athena Griffiths (So., C), Layla Mailloux (So., P/SS)

Rising Contributors: Janieya De Jesus (Jr., LF), Skylar Strickler (Jr., SS), Tati Franco (Jr., IF), Aubri Pisano (So., IF), Ricdaniry Rodriguez (So., OF)

Key Losses: Emily Fickes-Seitz, Kambria Harbaugh, Jenna Seyfert, Sereniti Zidik

2025 Record: 3-16, 0-10 in league play

Season Outlook

Progress is the big focus for Lebanon as the Cedars move into the 2026 season with a younger roster and hopes of turning offseason work into better results. Lebanon went 3-16 overall and 0-10 in league play last season, while also saying goodbye to a large senior class.

There are still some encouraging pieces back. Rayven Soliday returns after hitting .424 with 14 hits, 7 RBI, and a home run, while Layla Mailloux made the most of her opportunities as a freshman by batting .500 with 6 hits and 4 RBI. Athena Griffiths also gave the Cedars a boost, hitting .438 with 7 hits, 4 RBI, and 8 runs scored.

Lebanon will also lean on Makenzie Swisher, who scored 6 runs and drove in 4 last season, along with senior catcher Kenidee Gilbert, who brings experience behind the plate.

The Cedars should also get help from Janieya De Jesus, Skylar Strickler, Tati Franco, Aubri Pisano, and Ricdaniry Rodriguez as they look to build more depth across the field.

Mailloux is expected to take over the pitching responsibilities this season, something that will be especially important after the graduation of four-year starter Sereniti Zidik. How quickly she settles into that role could go a long way in shaping Lebanon’s progress.

Coach Tyler Roth said there is optimism around the program despite the youth on the roster. With several players back and younger athletes continuing to come up through the system, the Cedars are hoping their offseason work starts to show up in both day-to-day play and the overall record. The youth program established by Roth could also begin to show added progress this season as more players move through the pipeline. Roth said the group has embraced the process and is motivated to change how people view Lebanon softball.

Northern Lebanon Vikings

Lancaster-Lebanon League

Section 4

Head Coach: Bob Bashore – 5th season

Key Returners: Addison Hollenbach (Sr., P/SS), Alyssa Shirey (Sr., RF/C), Addison Kubica(Sr., 3B), Makenzie West (Sr., LF), Ryleigh Hopkins (So., CF), Mykenah Johnson (So., C), Stephanie Palkovic (So., 1B/P)

Rising Contributors: Keira Palski (Fr., 2B), Sophia Roye (Fr., P/SS)

Key Losses: Carley Umbrell, Lynsie Mauser, Olivia Shutter

2025 Record: 19-5, Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 3 champion, District 3 Class 4A runner-up, PIAA state qualifier

Season Outlook

Northern Lebanon comes into 2026 with expectations that match what it accomplished a year ago. The Vikings finished 19-5, won the Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 3 title, finished as the District 3 Class 4A runner-up, and made their first state playoff appearance since 1998. Their season ended with a 1-0 loss in the opening round to eventual state champion Valley View, giving the program both a breakthrough year and a little extra motivation for what comes next.

The Vikings return seven starters, including a strong senior group in Addison Hollenbach, Alyssa Shirey, Addison Kubica, and Makenzie West. Hollenbach was one of the area’s top pitchers last season, earning First Team Section 3 honors after going 6-1 with a 2.21 ERA and 99 strikeouts in 53.2 innings. Her presence in the circle gives Northern Lebanon a proven ace to build around once again.

Northern Lebanon also brings back several younger pieces who already made a big impact. Ryleigh Hopkins earned First Team Section 3 honors after a strong freshman season in which she hit .310 with a .420 OBP, 18 hits, 8 RBI, 17 runs scored, and 2 stolen bases. Stephanie Palkovic picked up Honorable Mention recognition after batting .322 with a .397 OBP, 19 hits, 12 RBI, 10 runs scored, and 3 steals. Mykenah Johnson is another returning sophomore who gives the Vikings an important piece behind the plate.

The Vikings are also excited about the arrival of Keira Palski and Sophia Roye, two freshmen who could help right away. Roye gives Northern Lebanon another option as a pitcher and shortstop, while Palski adds depth in the middle infield.

After last season’s breakthrough, the expectations are naturally higher. Northern Lebanon is excited about the seven starters it brings back along with a few new additions, and the hope is that experience will translate into another strong season. The Vikings’ goal is simple: compete every game and give themselves a chance to win, with the bigger picture centered on making another postseason push.

Palmyra Cougars

Mid-Penn Conference

Keystone Division

Head Coach: Mary Kate Penczkowski – 1st season

Key Returners: Kate Shenk (Sr., SS/3B), Anna Crawford (Jr., P/CF), Avery Cassel (Jr., C), Emalyn Funck (So., P/UTL), Ava Walmer (So., SS/CF)

Rising Contributors: Marie McCracken (So., OF/3B), Shay Rutter (So., OF), Ellie Bullard (Fr., C/UTL), Sophie Cunningham (Fr., P/UTL), Grace Morrison (Fr., 3B)

Key Losses: Mia Morrison

2025 Record: 4-16, 2-8 in the Keystone Division

Season Outlook

There is a fresh-start feel around Palmyra as the Cougars begin the season under first-year head coach Mary Kate Penczkowski. After going 4-16 overall and 2-8 in the Keystone Division last season, Palmyra knows there is plenty of room for growth, but there is also optimism about what this group can become.

The returning core gives the Cougars a solid base to build from. Senior Kate Shenk helped power the offense last season, batting .413 with a .460 on-base percentage, 19 hits, 9 RBI, 9 runs scored, and 10 stolen bases. She also earned Third Team Mid-Penn Keystone honors and brings leadership, power, and a strong arm to the left side of the infield.

Sophomore Emalyn Funck made an immediate impact as a freshman both in the circle and at the plate. She batted .327 with a .407 OBP, 17 hits, 9 RBI, 10 runs scored, and 12 stolen bases. In the circle, she stepped in as Palmyra’s primary pitcher, earning 4 wins and piling up 95 strikeouts while limiting opponents to just 10 extra-base hits all season.

Palmyra also returns key junior pieces in Anna Crawford and Avery Cassel. Crawford brings leadership, speed, and movement on the mound along with a strong arm from center field, while Cassel gives the Cougars leadership behind the plate and speed on the bases. Sophomore Ava Walmer is another important returner, providing versatility in the middle of the field with a solid glove, speed, and a powerful swing.

The Cougars should also get meaningful help from Marie McCracken, Shay Rutter, Ellie Bullard, Sophie Cunningham, and Grace Morrison. Cunningham is a freshman pitcher and utility player expected to make a major impact, while Bullard gives Palmyra another young option behind the plate. Morrison is a vocal freshman with the potential to bring power and make plays on the left side, and McCracken and Rutter add more athleticism and depth.

The goals for this season go beyond wins and losses. The focus is on building a competitive program, improving the small details on and off the field, and creating a team culture built on effort, accountability, and teamwork. Improvement has already shown up in practices and scrimmages, and Palmyra hopes that daily progress will start to carry over into game results as the program continues to grow.