The Pymatuning Valley Lakers softball enter the 2025–2026 softball season with a blend of proven production and emerging talent as head coach Andy Gray prepares his team for another competitive campaign in the Northeastern Athletic Conference (NAC). After an offensive surge in 2025 where the Lakers scored a school record 293 runs, Pymatuning Valley returns several key contributors while also welcoming a group of freshmen expected to compete for immediate playing time.
Gray said the team has spent the preseason focusing on fundamentals as players compete to define their roles on a relatively young roster.
“We’re excited for the season to begin,” Gray said. “We’ve been working hard in the gym on the fundamentals of softball. We are a small team this year, so we’re going to need everyone to have a role. Right now as coaches we’re trying to see who will fill those roles.”
The Lakers enter the season with just two seniors, meaning younger players will be asked to contribute early.
“We are young, so we’ll be relying on the younger girls to step in right away and contribute, which I think they can,” Gray added. “I’m excited to see what they can do.”
Returning Production in the Lineup
Offense has been a defining strength for the Lakers, and several key bats return after standout seasons. Junior McKenna Jordan, a dynamic slapper at the top of the lineup and a Penn State Behrend softball commit, led the team in 2025 with a .584 batting average, recording 52 hits, 49 runs scored, and 25 RBI while posting a 1.423 OPS. Jordan’s speed and ability to pressure defenses make her one of the most dangerous table-setters in the NAC.
Gray believes Jordan could be one of the team’s breakout players.
“McKenna Jordan can play anywhere and be really good playing there,” he said. “She’s also a key leader in hitting.”
Sophomore Peyton Hudson also returns after a strong season at the plate, hitting .439 with a 1.176 OPS and 25 RBI, while adding eight extra-base hits. Hudson is also expected to lead the pitching staff.
“Peyton will be doing a lot of the pitching, but when she isn’t pitching she’ll be playing third base,” Gray said. “She’s also really strong with the bat.”
Senior Macie Payne, a Lake Erie College softball commit, provides leadership and versatility for the Lakers. Payne, who plays catcher, second base and right field, hit .379 with a 1.114 OPS, 22 RBI, and 10 extra-base hits last season and will again be counted on to anchor the lineup.
Gray said several other returning players could also play important roles, including McKenzie Kribbs, Kaelyn Castle, Khloe Haines, Aislyn Fuller and Bella Limestoll.
“Every player could have a breakout year and I hope they do,” Gray said.
Young Talent Competing for Opportunities
Pymatuning Valley will also feature several new faces as the program continues to build depth. Incoming freshmen Izzy Anslow, Maddy Jackson, Elizabeth Jernigan and Kailee Reynolds join the roster this spring and are expected to compete for playing time.
Gray said Reynolds has already stood out early in practices.
“Kailee Reynolds has been working hard and she’s very knowledgeable about the game,” Gray said. “She could see a good amount of pitching and also play quite a bit at second base. She’s been hitting the ball very well.”
Gray also hopes Elizabeth Jernigan can make an impact as the season progresses.
“Elizabeth is another freshman who could see some time on the field,” he said. “I haven’t seen enough of her yet because she’s involved in a lot of extracurriculars, but we’re hoping she can be a key contributor.”
Another player expected to take on a larger role is sophomore Kaelyn Castle, who could see expanded responsibilities as the Lakers look to replace several key departures. A true utility player, Castle can play all three outfield spots, 2B, SS and pitcher. She even played 1B when she started playing softball because she has always had a good glove.
Replacing offense will be one of the team’s biggest challenges after the losses of Nataleigh Haines (injury), Kendall Gray (graduation) and Allison Clark (moved). Finding new contributors capable of stepping into those roles will be critical if the Lakers hope to maintain the offensive production they’ve enjoyed in recent seasons.
Pitching Staff Key to Success
The pitching staff will play a major role in shaping the Lakers’ season. Hudson is expected to serve as the team’s No. 1 starter, but several others could see time in the circle. Last season Hudson won 5 games, struck out more than 1 batter per inning, and was the team’s ace at the end of the season.
Kribbs, along with freshmen Reynolds and Anslow, could all contribute innings as the season progresses. Kribbs also won 5 games a season ago, but how she fares against tougher competition will determine how much the coaching staff will look to lean on her in the circle. How this group develops and supports Hudson will be a major factor in determining the team’s success.
Challenging Start to the Season
The Lakers face a difficult opening stretch to start the season with games at Mineral Ridge, at Perry, at Madison, home against Hubbard and at Mathews.
The matchup with Mathews carries additional weight as a NAC Stars Division game, making it an early opportunity to set the tone in the divisional race as the Lakers and Mustangs were picked by the coaches to finish atop the NAC Stars Division. How Gray’s team responds to those opening weeks will go a long way in determining whether the Lakers can position themselves as contenders.
Outlook & Prediction
There is a lot to like about this Pymatuning Valley team, particularly at the top of the lineup where proven production returns in a big way. Jordan and Hudson give the Lakers two of the most dangerous offensive weapons in the conference, and Payne’s experience adds stability to the middle of the order.
The biggest questions center around depth — both in the pitching circle and in replacing key offensive losses. If Hudson can anchor the staff and be the ace the Lakers need, that will go a long way toward stabilizing the team. Offensively, the development of younger players like Castle, Haines and the incoming freshmen will be critical.
The early-season gauntlet will be telling, but if the Lakers can weather that stretch and find their identity quickly, they have the pieces to compete with the top teams in the division. In the NAC season preview, I do feel like the coaches poll underestimates St. John in the division, but this is not the typical Mathews team either. This PV team feels like one that could grow into a contender as the season progresses — and if the young talent develops quickly, a push toward the NAC Stars Division title is well within reach.