25-03-2025
‘No doubt': Canfield eyes back-to-back state titles
CANFIELD, Ohio (WKBN) – The Canfield softball team is coming off a state title win in 2024 and expects nothing else but the same for this season.
'There's a lot of momentum riding from last year, that's for sure, these kids only have one perspective after the last two seasons, and it's when it's playing at a high level,' said Cardinals head coach Michael Kernan. 'That's carried over for this year.'
The Cardinals have made it to the state finals the past two seasons. Canfield won the Division II State Title in 2024 and was one game shy of that title in 2023.
'Our past couple of years, we've had younger girls have to step up. So we've had a really good connection with them built already,' said senior Alexis Johnson. 'The team connection is just really great. We work well together and communicate.'
This year's team has five seniors and a majority of juniors.
'I think we all have a really big role, but especially the juniors because there's a lot of us,' said junior Caylee Ortiz.
Canfield will be without star ace Malena Toth who is now pitching for the University at Buffalo. Cardinal's standouts said their championship experience will pay dividends.
'Just with our team chemistry and especially coming off of last year, we just want to double it and continue on with how we've been doing,' said junior Sami Economous.
The Cardinals have already won their home opener against Minerva 4-3.
'We're only going in the season with one manner and that's to win at a high level, high caliber,' said Kernan.
Canfield (1-0) plays next against Field on Tuesday, March 25.
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