Canfield looks to repeat success with new coach
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Returning plenty of experience, the Canfield softball team holds high hopes heading into the 2023 campaign, this time under new leadership.
Michael Kernan enters as the new Cardinals head coach, following a one-season stint as an assistant at Hiram College that was preceded by a 19-year tenure at the helm for the Ursuline Fighting Irish.
Pitching and veteran experience from their run to the regional round last spring will be vital.
"They know what their goals are to compete at a high level, they are prepared, and they're ready to get the season going just like everybody else," Kernan said. "Having the experience is a nice plus, (the returning players) are leading the way tremendously. It's just an asset that's going to help provide for our chemistry and our play for the younger kids, as the team matures throughout the season.
"Them being there, they know they want to get there again and they're ready to go at it."
A year ago, the Cardinals recorded a record of 18-6 and captured a district championship with a 4-0 shutout victory over Poland. They also won their final 11 games before falling to Trinity in regionals. The Cardinals return plenty of talent from that run as well.
Boasting eight seniors, the likes of Bella Kennedy, Gianna Pannunizo and Hailey Freedy will help lead the way. Of course, juniors such as Malena Toth (Buffalo commit) and Macey Kalina retain much of the main core, with sophomore Maria Koenig playing a factor last spring.
Kernan has just tried to pass on some of the knowledge he's learned over the years.
"Hopefully there's something positive, that's going to help enhance what they already have going on and lead them to achieve their higher goals this year," said Kernan.
Canfield will be tested heavily early on with contests against Harding, West Branch, and Akron Hoban before heading down to Myrtle Beach during the third week of the season to face teams from North Carolina, West Virginia, and Virginia.
"The trip helps the team camaraderie, it helps build the team chemistry, they're usually really good trips," Kernan said. "We try to get good competition and play because it's nice weather. To add to the team chemistry and to add to the team bonding, that's going to help be a plus for us. If there's a difference between this team and that team, we're going to have better chemistry because these kids really get along.
"A trip like Myrtle Beach just really helps enhance that piece of the puzzle."
Of course, AAC play is never easy itself. Schools like Austintown Fitch, Howland, or Boardman are always a tough out. Then again, that difficulty could be what helps a team earn its stripes come playoff time.
"That's going to be a challenge this year, our schedule is really at a high level," said Kernan. "Playing game in and game out in a very competitive barrier, it's going to be a little bit of a grind of a schedule, but that's okay. The more we're putting ourselves in position, whether it's executing defense, small ball, or manufacturing runs."
"Playing these teams is going to help us learn to execute those important facades of the game, and by the time we make our way through the AAC and into the tournament, we should be well prepared with our tough schedule."