OWEGO - OFA softball will look to get the nasty taste out of their mouth from the way the 2024 season ended, by brining a mix of experienced pitching and solid hitting into 2025.

Last year's season ended with a record of 7-8, but that was due to Owego having to forfeit the Class A Section IV championship against Maine-Endwell due to a lack of players available. A controversial decision that will no doubt have this year's team eager to get back to the title game.

"We will be carrying 10 on varsity this year. Last year we did graduate four big seniors in Brooklyn Gaurnier, Alex Aubel, Ava Brown, and Jill Lewis. Returning this season though, we have Carsten Crawford on the mound, Miley Laubach behind the plate, Maia Smith at shortstop, and Lexi Cheeseman will be in center," said coach Emily Crawford.

"We also have senior, Ava Leonard sharing time on the mound, as well as at first base probably. Also, Audrionna Howe who is back after taking a year off last season. I think having six returners and that depth will certainly help in leadership," coach Crawford added.

Experience will definitely play a role in the success of the 2025 OFA softball season, especially with pitching and catching. Crawford and Laubach have been a battery since they were freshman. 

"Carsten and Miley have been pitching and catching with each other since they were little kids. They eat, sleep and breathe softball," said Crawford.

Pitching will be a big strength this spring in Owego. Alongside Crawford, getting time in the circle throughout 2025 will be Leonard and freshman, Joslyn Space. Space saw a bit of action on the mound last year, so having three pitchers on the roster should prove advantageous for OFA.

Hitting will not take a back seat however, as the softball team has been putting in a lot of offseason work.

"These girls are crushing it. We have been doing open gym since November," remarked coach Crawford. 

"We did hitting just in November and December, then January and February came and we opened it up to more individual work in the gymnasium. Their hitting is really going to be a strength. Small ball, putting the ball in play, getting people on base, and hoping girls' can come through and hit the ball hard."

OFA expects to be a big competitor in their division this year and make a run at a sectional title. 

They open their regular season March 29th at home when they take on South Lewis.

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