Millersville Softball turns the page with renewed confidence entering 2026

Photo by: Kaya Wagner 2025

Millersville Softball turns the page with renewed confidence entering 2026

2/9/2026 3:30:00 PM | Softball

By: Aidan Bishop, Athletic Communications Graduate Assistant

MILLERSVILLE, Pa. - "Play ball" is just around the corner at Seaber Softball Stadium as the Millersville softball team enters the 2026 season with renewed confidence. The Marauders look to turn the page on 2025 behind a strong returning core poised to lead the program into the upcoming year.

After a year of development, Millersville is ready to make its mark in 2026. The core group returning experienced plenty of highs and lows throughout the 2025 season but gained valuable experience along the way. Experience proved to be the biggest drawback throughout last season. After a year of learning and additional exposure, the Marauders head into this season with a renewed sense of confidence.

"Last year showed we have the skill, just not the experience to seal the deal and come away with the win," said head coach Jen Probst. "We were in every game, and that had to be the most extra-inning games I have ever been a part of. Those tough moments are going to be lessons and fuel for us to persevere and get some wins this season."

The Marauders did graduate key contributors from last season, including outfielder Kendra Bumgardner and pitcher Angelina Saverase. Bumgardner finished third in the lineup with a .319 batting average, totaling 52 hits in 163 at-bats while scoring 36 runs. Saverese was a key contributor in the circle, pitching 72.1 innings, which was the third-most on the team and serving as the Marauders' top reliever out of the bullpen. Along with Bryn Spoerl, all three played significant roles in leading a young Millersville roster. Following their graduation, this year's returning upperclassmen quickly took the reins, setting the standard for the upcoming season and embracing leadership roles.

"Our upperclassmen came in this year focused on the details and showing the new players the expectations of the program," said Probst. "Our seniors have done a great job working together and filling various leadership roles, allowing us to have a great fall and a positive outlook for this season."

Probst emphasized development during the fall season, beginning with an expanded game schedule to identify areas for improvement. The additional competition allowed for continued growth and helped incoming freshmen adjust to their new teammates and the collegiate level. Establishing and maintaining team culture also remained a priority.

"In the fall, we played a few more games than previous years, and we played well," Probst said. "We were able to identify areas we need to improve, which allowed players to be sent home over break with specific focus points. The new players have come in and bought into our core values, allowing us to continue our positive team culture."

One of the top returners is sophomore outfielder Jocelyn Langer, who had a breakout freshman campaign. Langer led the Marauders offensively with a .406 batting average, a .972 OPS, 65 hits, and 45 runs scored. Her performance earned her All-PSAC East First Team honors, and she currently holds a 50-game on-base streak dating back to February 26 of last season. Defensively, she committed just one error in 111 chances.

Joining her is junior Carly Vaughan, an All-PSAC East Second Team selection as a utility player. Vaughan batted .350 and finished the season with a .463 on-base percentage, ranking 12th in the PSAC. She was also the only Marauder to start all 52 games during the 2025 season. Both Marauders enter 2026 focused on taking the next step while being joined by teammates who emerged as key contributors during the fall.

"Both players are never satisfied and always looking to elevate their game," Probst said. "They bring a lot of experience and consistency to our lineup. As a whole, offensively we hit with much more power throughout the fall. Lexi, Jordyn, and Cam all had standout performances. Cara, Cecilia, Jiana, and Ally were also statistical leaders offensively while handling their defensive positions."

Other key returners include third baseman Jiana Maniscalco, who finished last season on a four-game hitting streak and was tied for the team lead in home runs. Cara Mazzucco joins Langer in the outfield, providing a strong defensive presence. Cameron Witte and Lexi Pickett served as role players last season but could see increased starts after strong fall performances.

Seniors Allyson Black, Hailey Watlington, and Victoria Fuss each saw significant playing time in 2025 and look to close their careers on a high note alongside fellow seniors Ellie Soucy and Nicolina Pezzone.

Millersville also welcomed four freshmen this fall: Cecilia McBeth, Ava Bainbridge, Jaylee Lose, and Jordyn Skarren. McBeth impressed at shortstop while contributing offensively. Bainbridge primarily caught and worked closely with the pitching staff, while Lose split time between catcher and first base. Skarren made an immediate impact both in the circle and at third base, contributing significant innings and offensive production.

In the circle, the Marauders return two starters from last season in Pezzone and Delaney Troxell. Pezzone, a senior, led the team with 111.1 innings pitched across 35 appearances and 23 starts, recording more than 100 strikeouts with a 3.65 ERA. Troxell followed with 97.2 innings as a freshman, making 12 starts in 33 appearances and striking out 77 batters. Skarren adds another arm to the rotation after transitioning well from the high school level and will contribute alongside Pezzone and Troxell in 2026.

"Delany and Nicolina competed well in some tough outings last season," Probst said. "Both are mentally tough and bring experience in the circle. Jordyn also transitioned well to the college game this fall."

Millersville was originally scheduled to open the season against Goldey-Beacom on February 8, but heavy snowfall in Pennsylvania forced the postponement. The Marauders are now set to open the season at Lincoln University on Wednesday, February 11, at 1 p.m. If weather conditions persist, the opener will be pushed back to February 25 when Millersville hosts Holy Family for a 1 p.m. doubleheader. PSAC play begins March 20 at home against Lock Haven.