THE 2026 SOUTH HAMILTON SOFTBALL SQUAD includes, front row (left to right): Claire Hewitt and Lillie Ammerman. Middle: Allie Neuberger, Emma Ammerman, Adey Trask, Sara Gibson and Addyson Robb. Back: Dallace Oberender, Daytan Oberender, Jillian Hesse, Bristol Ferrie, Abbigale Murray, Winny Herrick and Ellie Beaune. Not pictured: Emma Lammers and Ava Corbin. (DFJ photo by Angela Hewitt)

Josh Gorman sees a lot of potential in South Hamilton’s softball squad.

They have a strong returning group that includes eight starters.

The Hawks won seven games last season, improving on four from the year before.

Three seniors and one junior, along with five sophomores who saw action are ready to go.

“We’ve had a really solid year so far,” said head coach Josh Gorman. “With a strong group back, it’s nice to have that consistency as we prepare for games.

“The big thing is we have a strong group back with quality leaders.”

That group will be the key to a turn around for the Hawks.

“We have good experience playing in games going back to last year,” Gorman said. “Last year we were incredibly inexperienced and had to learn how to play.

“I’m hoping we’ve learned those standard and are ready to go.”

Pitchers

Returning in the circle for the Hawks are sophomore Emma Lammers and junior Jillian Heese. Lammers pitched 88 innings and Heese had 57 under her belt.

Lammers won four games and Heese came out on top in three. They had 42 and 34 strikeouts respectively.

“Emma is a competitor and hits about every spot you ask,” Gorman said. “As the season went on, we knew where they could hit and she would exploit those weaknesses.

“She has some of the filthiest stuff with a high level drop ball.”

Infield

Behind the plate will be a battle with eighth grader Ellie Beaune and freshman Bristol Ferrie. Ferrie played in 10 games last season.

“Ellie is an absolute dog,” Gorman said. “Eighth graders have to prove themselves and she fits in well with Bristol.

“Bristol has worked hard this off season and is comfortable at the plate.”

At first base is senior Clarie Hewitt who has manned the spot for 3.5 years. Last season she had 10 RBI and batted .246, swiping six bases.

“Claire is a stud defensively and has a good bat,” Gorman said. “Once she gets her confidence rolling, she’s a good hitter.”

Gorman has a tough task at second base between freshman Addelyn Trask and Hesse. Trask drove in seven runs and hit .281. Hesse was tied for the team lead with 12 RBI and hit .288.

“Addelyn will either play at one or three,” Gorman said. “She has incredible reaction time and is a ridiculous athlete, that’s why I like her at second or third.

“Jill is solid there too, depending on who is pitching.”

Shortstop will be senior Lillie Ammerman, who hit .294 and drove in 10 runs.

“Lillie is very athletic and covers third well,” Gorman said. “She communicates well and has experience.”

Starting out the year Trask will be at the hot corner.

Outfield

In the outfield will be sophomore Emma Ammerman, who hit. 294 with 20 hits and drove in 10 runs.

“She can play eight spots on the field,” Gorman said. “She reads the ball so well and is a scavenger and absolute baller.”

Sophomore Allie Neuberger will be back and has started since her eighth grade year and will be in center field. Heese is in the mix as well.

Gorman is impressed with the way his team has worked out in the offseason.

“This is the most that a group of girls has worked out,” Gorman said. “The parents were hosting offseason workouts that were optional, but almost everyone showed up. Watching them in spring games and practice, they have been forming good swings.”

On the other side of the ball Gorman sees his group improved defensively.

“We have a lot more confidence this year,” Gorman said. “Last year we didn’t know who would be best at each spot and now we have more options.”

Gorman is hoping that all the work can translate into wins for the Hawks.

“What’s unique about this group is the girls are fast and have considerable power of what we had last year and in the past,” Gorman said. “There has been a shift in the weight room and you can see the growth.

“They seem a lot stronger to go along with their agility and quickness.”

The Hawks open the season on Tuesday at Nevada.

Roster

Seniors — Lillie Ammerman, Claire Hewitt, Ava Corbin.

Junior — Jillian Heese.

Sophomores — Daytan Oberender, Emma Lammers, Abbigale Murray, Emma Ammerman, Allie Neuberger.

Freshmen — Sara Gibson, Adelyn Trask, Addyson Robb, Winny Herrick, Bristol Ferrie.

Eighth-grader — Dallas Oberender.

Schedule

May 26 — at Nevada; 27 — at Grand View Christian; 29 — at Roland-Story.

June 1 — West Marshall; 3 — PCM; 5 — at Perry; 6 — at Hudson; 8 — Greene County; 9 — Saydel; 11 — Nevada; 12-13 — at OABCIG tourney; 15 — at Saydel; 17 — Grand View Christian; 18 — at Clarion-Goldfield-Dows; 19-20 — at Roland-Story tourney; 22 — at West Marshall; 23 — West Hancock; 24 — at PCM; 25 — at Belmond-Klemme; 26 — Perry; 27 — South Hamilton tourney; 29 — at Greene County.

July 1 — Roland-Story.