STAC SOFTBALL PREVIEW: 'TEAM CHEMISTRY' COULD HELP UNLEASH YOUNG WOLVERINES' POTENTIAL IN 2026 (March 24, 2026)

By TIM BIRNEY
Valley Sports Report
WAVERLY — Waverly softball coach Brent Doane sees a lot of potential in his young team, and is hoping the "team chemistry" it has built will help the Lady Wolverines improve on last year's 10-10 season in 2026.

"This group is really building great chemistry," he said. "They have been attending open gyms since December, and they have become very cohesive. Defensively, they have a chance to be very good.

"This year's team will be fun to watch," noted Doane. "They have grown immensely from last year and are hungry to take their season further than last year. 

"If our players stick together, believe in themselves and each other, this season can be a huge success," added Doane. "Of course, we need a little luck, stay healthy and have some timely hitting too."

Junior Hannah Carpenter will anchor the infield at catcher, while senior Delaney Wheeler will play first, while sophomore Melanie Skovira and junior Lecksie Douglas will man the double-play combination at second base and shortstop, respectively, and 8th-grad Paige Bubniak will man third base.

Senior Madison Cron will anchor the outfield in center field, with freshman Ayla Wheeler in left field, and juniors Kaiya Horton and Sofia Storelli, sophomore Emma Williams, and freshman Anna Fassett vying for time in left field.

Freshman Taylin Gonzalez and Ayla Wheeler will handle the pitching duties.

Doane says the Wolverines will features some familiar faces in new places this season, led by three-year starter at third base Cron moving to center field.

"(Melanie) Skovira is getting a look at second base this year," said Doane. "She was primarily an outfielder last year. 

"Ayla Wheeler will transition from right field last year to left field this year, and will also pitch," he noted. "And, (Paige) Bubniak moves from part-time second base and designated player last year to full-time in the lineup at third base. 

"Most notably, (Maddie) Cron will be switching to centerfield to lead our outfield," added Doane. "She has been outstanding so far."

The Wolverines have three newcomers on the roster in Fassett, Storelli, and Williams.

"Fassett is looking to crack the starting line-up as a corner outfielder," said Doane. "We are hoping her bat can provide us with some punch."

Storelli moves up the from JV team, and Williams is new to the program.

Doane's concerns for the 2026 season?

"Will we have enough offense? Can our young players rise to the occasion?," he said. "Those are the questions we have to answer."

Waverly opens the 2026 season at Chenango Valley Tuesday afternoon.

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IN PHOTO: Waverly senior Maddie Cron.

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