NTL SOFTBALL: ATHENS LOOKING FOR ENCORE IN 2026 AFTER HISTORIC '25 SEASON (March 21, 2026)

By TIM BIRNEY
Valley Sports Report
ATHENS — Athens is coming off a historic season that featured the program's first-ever District 4 title and a trip to the state quarterfinals. What can the Wildcats do for an encore in 2026.

"We lost a few key starters — shortstop, right field and left field, but we have some young players we expect to step up," said Athens coach Brian Wendela.

"I look forward to see how we grow as a team as the season progresses," he noted. "It's not going to be easy, but I think the girls are excited to kick the season off against Towanda on Saturday.

"Our success this season will depend how committed we want to be day-to-day. 

"Last year, we won games in a lot of different ways offensively," added Wendela. "We are going to need girls to accept roles and have each other's backs when the softball is good and bad. Time will tell, but I think the girls will be ready."

Softball is a sport dominated by pitching, and Athens junior Gretchan Hiley is one of the best in the area.

A second-team all-state selection last year, Hiley posted a 19-2 record with a 1.11 ERA, a 0.81 WHIP, 266 strikeouts and just 43 walks in 133 innings. She allowed 65 hits, and opposing batters his .127 against her on the season.

She tossed six shutouts, including three in a row, and a pair of combined shutouts (both with her sister, senior Maddie Hiley). She threw five complete-game one-hitters, including a 1-0 loss to North Penn-Liberty, and five two-hitters.

Wendela expects her to have a little help in the circle this season as well.

"Gretchan Hiley will eat the majority of innings, but Madalyn Hiley could see some time also. 

"We are excited about some of the younger arms in Kendall Galasso Maci Campbell, and Mya Allen," said Wendela. "All three will work some JV innings, and maybe a few varsity innings if needed.

The Wildcats return senior four-year starters in Savannah Finan at first base, Danica May at second base, and Maddie Hiley third base, as well as junior Memphis Paul at catcher, and McKenna Jarvis in center field.

Freshman Mya Allen will get the nod at shortstop, while freshman Abby Delosa, and sophomores Kendall Galasso, Faith Parkhurst, Andrea Davis, and Abbie Ahern are vying for time in right and left field.

"Those girls are all battling for time in right and left field," said Wendela. "They all could be options."

Wendela believes two of his freshmen — Allen and Delosa — are players to keep an eye on this season.

Mya Allen and Abby Delosa are a couple of newcomers to watch.

"Mya looks promising for a freshman and will be looking to be the shortstop, and Abby is versatile and can play catcher, infield and outfield. 

"Both have been very coachable, have great attitudes and give great effort every practice," he noted. "They come in and work hard everyday, and both have really live bats early in the preseason.

"If they can figure out the varsity pitching they both could look to be a big part of what we are doing and given plenty of opportunities," Wendela added.

Wendela also expects his sophomores to see bigger roles on the team.

"Our sophomore class is going to get some opportunities early," he said. "We are looking to fill both left and right field positions, and we are looking for consistency. 

"Early on, I believe the girls are all even defensively, but it may come down to who is swinging a consistent bat in practice and games. 

"You may see the flex / designated used quite a bit in our line-up this season to create opportunities," Wendela added. 

Wendela believes his team's biggest strength is obvious.

"Our biggest strength is our pitching and defense. 

"I like to think defense wins championships," he said. "We mix in some experience with six returning starters and some sophomores, who got a little bit of experience last year. 

"It could be a good recipe for success," Wendela added.

What is Wendela's biggest concern heading into 2026?

"First, I think we are really looking for leadership and that can come in a variety of ways. 

"We have to forget about last year and know everything this new season has to be earned," said Wendela. "We are going to have a target on our back all season. 

"If this group wants to commit to being focused and working hard day to day at practice, the sky is the limit,' he added.

Who is the team to watch in the NTL this season.

"Our division should be pretty solid, but I'd have to say (North Penn-)Liberty is the team I'm most worried about," he said. "Their pitcher is pretty good."

Athens opens the 2026 campaign Saturday at 1 p.m. at Towanda.

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IN PHOTO: Athens coach Brian Wendela. ... VSR STOCK PHOTO.



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