Cheboygan area softball players to watch during 2023 season

The 2023 Cheboygan area softball season might already be underway, but with the weather deciding to be weird like it normally is in the spring, there haven’t been a ton of games played yet.

So, when there's days when some teams aren’t able to play, we have time to see what’s in store for this season.

In this case, I’d like to take a look at the area players to watch for this spring, whether they're from Cheboygan, Inland Lakes, Mackinaw City, Onaway or Pellston.

So, as we wait for the weather to improve, let’s look at some of the area players to keep an eye on.

CHEBOYGAN 

Libby VanFleet, Junior – The defending Daily Tribune Player of the Year is back to lead the Chiefs on the mound, in the field, and with her hitting. A quality pitcher, but what also makes her dangerous is a powerful bat, which was shown throughout her sophomore season. Should be a force again for Cheboygan this spring.

Emerson Eustice, Junior – One of the best returning offensive players for an already stacked Cheboygan lineup. Defensively, she’s strong in the outfield. Like VanFleet, Eustice had an impressive sophomore campaign and played a big role in the Chiefs winning their conference. Could also see time at pitcher as well.

Amelia Johnson, Junior – A solid shortstop who's also going to pitch a lot for Cheboygan, Johnson is another one of those versatile junior players. Offensively, she provides the Chiefs with powerful hitting and has an ability to come up big in the clutch with her bat.

Marley Couture, Junior – Returning for the Chiefs as their starting catcher, Couture brings a powerful bat to the Cheboygan lineup. Slowing down Cheboygan’s offense will be a challenge for a lot of teams this season, and Couture will be one of those reasons why.

INLAND LAKES 

Natalie Wandrie, Senior – A returning all-state player for the Bulldogs, Wandrie is arguably the most dangerous and powerful hitter in the area. While her bat is outstanding, so is the defense of Wandrie, a top-caliber shortstop. It won’t be fun for most opposing pitchers when they face her, that’s for sure.

Ryann Clancy, Senior – Once again returns as the starting catcher for the Bulldogs. Like all other sports she plays, Clancy is a quality defender. Offensively, she brings a strong bat to an Inland Lakes team that came oh so close to winning a regional title last June.

Maggie Grant, Junior – Grant is back as one of the top pitchers for the Bulldogs. Over the last few seasons, Grant has shown she’s a very solid thrower. Like some of her teammates, she also has a strong bat. Will be crucial for the Bulldogs in their quest for conference and regional titles.

MACKINAW CITY  

Marlie Postula, Senior – Is back again as Mackinaw City’s ace on the mound. Postula has been strong throughout her career as a pitcher, but she’s also one of the team’s most powerful hitters. Will be looking to help lead the Comets to conference and district championships.

Madison Smith, Senior – Perhaps the most powerful bat on the Mackinaw City team, Smith is back to lead what appears to be another potent Comet offensive lineup. Defensively, she’ll play at first base where she was solid last season. Another key senior who will see time on the mound as well.

Julia Sullivan, Senior – Will be a leader in the outfield for the Comets. Sullivan is also a top returning hitter for a team that shared the conference title a season ago. Capable of coming up with that big hit and making the crucial defensive play when needed.

ONAWAY

Mackenzie Robbins, Senior – A returning All-Ski Valley Conference player who is one of the best hitters in the area. Has starred for the Cardinals as an outfielder the last couple of seasons and will be counted on to lead a young Onaway team this spring.

Sydney Peel, Junior – Having a solid pitcher is so important in softball, and Peel will hope to be that this season. As a hitter, she brings a ton of power to what could potentially be a dangerous Onaway lineup.

Kailyn George, Sophomore – Both at the plate and in the outfield, George is one of the most talented young players around. A very capable offensive bat, but also a solid centerfielder who could be in for a big season.

PELLSTON 

Megan Bricker, Senior – A returning senior leader for the Hornets, Bricker has shown in the past that she’s a solid first baseman. At the plate, she’s one of the most powerful bats for a Pellston squad that stunned everyone by winning a district title in 2022.

Caroline Crenshaw, Junior – Replacing former pitcher Madison Brown won’t be easy, but this Pellston junior has plenty of quality. Will look to be consistent on the mound as well as with her bat, which should help make the Hornets a difficult lineup to deal with.

Gabby Landon, Senior – After starting at second as a junior, Landon returns to help lead the Hornets in her final season. Hopes to provide strong defense as well as deliver offensively, something she’s done in the past.

OTHERS TO WATCH: Jordan Ashley (Cheboygan), Ella Kosanke (Cheboygan), Dakota Friday (Cheboygan), Lexi Kovtun (Inland Lakes), Brooklyn LaBrecque (Inland Lakes), Gracie Beauchamp (Mackinaw City), Rian Esper (Mackinaw City), Aubrey Benson (Onaway), Charlotte Box (Onaway), Elysia Ward (Pellston), Lillie Bourrie (Pellston), Madison Jutson (Pellston)

This article originally appeared on Cheboygan Daily Tribune: Cheboygan area softball players to watch during 2023 season