By Stephen Smoot
Pendleton County last year took one of the most dominating teams in recent Class A history to the state title. No team could muster much against them from Keyser in the opening game to Wahama in the final. Three seniors accepted invitations to join college squads, but talent and experience remain.
One new face has stepped forward in Hillary Fox, new head coach. Fox took on the role when Eric Crites, former coach, resigned.
The senior class returns playmakers from last year’s title team. Jaiden Mitts and Madison Arbaugh made key plays in the field and at the plate in last year’s state tournament. Mitts gets solid jumps on plays when opposing batters put the ball in play. Arbaugh’s hitting was a factor in big wins last season as well.
Mitts had a win last season on the mound with a 2.47 earned run average. She may be in line to take on more of a role on the mound.
From the junior class comes the core of the team’s leadership. Susan Vincell, left handed pitcher, by season’s end had become the staff’s second ace. Vincell had seven wins with a 2.96 ERA and got better as the season progressed. She shows patience on the mound and the ability to get batters to tap the ball weakly into the field, rather than get their full strength into the swing. Vincell also hit .402 for average with three home runs.
Jess Parker is simply relentless whether on the field or at the plate, where she hit .279 last season. She provides a spark either way, having a fielding percentage of .986 last year. Both Vincell and Parker will be expected to assume leadership roles along with the seniors, stepping into the very big shoes of last year’s graduating class.
Also from the junior class, Mollie Rowe and Callie Judy both return. They served as catalysts in last year’s run. Judy has grown into a reliable performer and leader on the state tournament qualifying volleyball squad last fall. Rowe also had a win on the mound last season. Hannah Schell will contribute from the 11th-grade class, as well.
The sophomore class is represented first by Chesnee Colaw, who is looking to break out this coming season. She established herself as a reliable third baseman and hit .358 for average. She was a mainstay last season, but will likely emerge as a team leader and playmaker this coming season. Another player to watch is Lexy Tingler, who shares the energy and determination of Parker as was seen when both players took the basketball court together last season.
Additionally, Marleigh Moyers and Lauren Sisson gained experience last season and will be counted on for more in 2026.
Fox expressed excitement about the future with several athletic and talented players moving up to varsity play. Ashlyn Wimer, Abigail Judy, Kinsley Price, Laney Bowers, and Jaycee Thompson will see opportunities this season to step up and make contribution as the team develops.
Last year’s season schedule was built to challenge, stocked with Class AA, AAA, and even AAAA competition. This year the team’s schedule remains solid with Lincoln, Petersburg, Frankfort, Lewis County, and East Fairmont on the slate.
