LAKEVILLE - Like many other high school softball teams, LaVille softball has made good use of the pleasant early-season northern Indiana weather. As the 2025 season gets started, the Lancers return five players and look to improve on a 1-17 overall record from a year ago. LaVille finished 0-7 in Hoosier North Athletic Conference play. New head coach Garrett McBride replaces Ashley Zielomski after one season in Lakeville. McBride was an assistant last season so he is familiar with several of the players. "Through summer, fall and winter workouts we worked on basic fundamentals of the game," said McBride. "We have improved our catch play and laid the foundation for growth. We have been lucky enough to have warm weather to start our season so we have been outside for every practice so far. We have worked on a range of infield and outfield work along with baserunning, bullpens, coverages and offensive strategies." Among those returning will be senior Peyton Tubicsak, along with juniors Kylah Bell, Ema Coplen, Misty Willyerd and Alexis Owens. "The returning players have stepped up as vocal leaders and have been open and helpful for our freshmen," noted McBride. "Our team chemistry is going to be a positive point on the year and one of our foundational points to build on for the coming years." McBride becomes the sixth head softball coach at LaVille following Dave Hobaugh, Scot Shearer, Cassie Rossman, and Ashley Zielomski. "I have been a head coach on teams in the past so this move isn’t new" explained McBride. "Developing long-term expectations for the program and laying the foundation now for the coming seasons was/is focus #1. Developing basic game play is so important. Being able to make the routine plays that make up 90% or more of the game is what we will focus on. I have the same approach with a competitive club team which has led to success. We will become defensively sound and cause chaos on offense and put pressure on the opposing defense." Owens, the junior shortstop, will be a key cog in the LaVille infield, Tubicsak, a senior, returns to the circle, Coplen, also a junior, is back as a catcher, Bell and Willyerd, also juniors, also return. According to McBride, several positions will rely on a platoon system, based on who is pitching. "Our outfield will see a platoon of players based on who is pitching as well as who is being productive offensively," said McBride. "Ema Coplen will be patrolling CF as well as Caydence Pena. "Infield will also vary based on who is pitching. Owens will be a mainstay at SS. Bell will be our primary 1B. Second base will see a platoon of players. Third base will primarily be handled by Grace McBride and when she is behind the plate we will have an opportunity for other players to fill that position." The LaVille battery finds several players in line to help in the circle and behind the plate. "Peyton Tubicsak, Mady Geraghty, Misty Willyerd, Annabelle Carder, Kylah Bell and Grace McBride are all options we may bring into the circle," McBride said when talking about options in the circle. "Peyton brings HS experience to the position and is looking to build on last year and hold down the circle as the primary pitching option. Misty also has some HS experience and is looking to grow in that position. Kylah may see some time at pitcher as well as Grace, but that will depend on the game flow and season as both are valuable in other positions. Mady and Annabelle are freshman looking to learn the position and provide us some stability in the circle for future seasons. "Catchers will be Ema Coplen, Maddy Adkins and Grace McBride. Ema brings a few seasons of HS experience to that position. Maddy brings a desire and passion to improve in that position. Grace brings years of travel experience and IQ." When asked about strengths for the upcoming season, McBride said, "Youth ... I’m excited for the next few seasons based on having 5 freshmen and a large junior high team. This season we will be laying the foundation for the program for the coming years. Players understand that and are going into this season with that as a priority. Our team chemistry as well as understanding of the expectations of this season and what it is being used for is a strength. We aren’t pressuring ourselves for wins, but rather establishing what will be the future of the program. Our season's focus is on us and the future and not necessarily on how many games we win. The players buying into that have been really exciting." The Lancers also make the transition from the Hoosier North to the Northern State Conference. With the conference move plus the non-conference game, the 2025 LaVille schedule will have challenges. "We are looking forward to our season," said the first-year LaVille coach. "We are playing a schedule that will be challenging, but also allow us opportunities for success. I graduated from LaVille in 2001 so it’s nice to see some of that old conference coming back together. On-field rivalries with off-field friendships." * * * * * LAVILLE SOFTBALL Head Coach: Garrett McBride (1st season at LaVille) Assistant Coach: Priscilla Wolfe Letterwinners Lost: 5 - Porsha Coffin, Caitlyn Goffinet, Brooklyn Foster, Trinity Pickett, Jasmine Foster Letterwinners Returning: Seniors - Peyton Tubicsak (P). Juniors - Kylah Bell (1B/OF/P), Ema Coplen (C/OF), Misty Willyerd (2B/OF/P), Alexis Owens (SS) Newcomers: Junior - Claire Wainscott (2B/OF). Sophomore - Maddy Adkins (C/Util). Freshman - Annabelle Carder (Util/P), Caydence Pena (OF), Sydney Williams (Util), Mady Geraghty (Util/P), Grace McBride (3B/C/P) Opener: April 2 v North Judson-San Pierre, 5:45pm Outlook: "We aren’t going to be flashy and super impressive, but we will be learning, growing and developing through the season. I’m excited to see our growth as players and as a team throughout the season. Keep an eye on Lexis Owens and Grace McBride as potential players to earn all conference awards. Laying the foundation for the future and improving upon the 2024 season stats." - Coach Garrett McBride, LaVille softball