Lancaster softball seniors reflect on their successful season and dedication to the program. The team has made significant strides, showcasing their talent and teamwork throughout the year.
Key points
Lancaster softball seniors reflect on their season
The team made significant strides this year
Alieya Garner is a key player on the team
Lancaster lost 7-1 to Licking Valley
The program fosters a strong sense of community
Lancaster Golden GalesLicking Valley PanthersAlieya Garner
Licking Valley's Chloe Cooperrider heads home to score during the Panthers' 7-1 victory against visiting Lancaster on March 30, 2026.
Lancaster's Alieya Garner throws to first from third base for an out during the Golden Gales' 7-1 loss at Licking Valley on March 30, 2026.
Licking Valley's D'Neya Dennis throws to first from shortstop for an out during the Panthers' 7-1 victory against visiting Lancaster on March 30, 2026.
Lancaster's Kileigh Rohr pitches during the Golden Gales' 7-1 loss at Licking Valley on March 30, 2026.
Licking Valley's Dani Lambert hits during the Panthers' 7-1 victory against visiting Lancaster on March 30, 2026.
Q&A
What achievements did Lancaster softball seniors accomplish this season?
The Lancaster softball seniors had a historic run, demonstrating exceptional talent and teamwork.
Who are the key players on the Lancaster softball team?
Key players include seniors like Alieya Garner, who have made significant contributions to the team's success.
How did Lancaster softball perform against Licking Valley?
Lancaster lost to Licking Valley with a score of 7-1 in their matchup on March 30, 2026.
What is the significance of the Lancaster softball program to its players?
The Lancaster softball program holds great importance to its players, fostering a strong sense of community and dedication.
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Lancaster's Reese Hughes watches the ball as she heads into third base during the Golden Gales' 7-1 loss at Licking Valley on March 30, 2026.
Licking Valley's Emory Whisner pitches during the Panthers' 7-1 victory against visiting Lancaster on March 30, 2026.
Lancaster's Kendall Brown catches a popup during the Golden Gales' 7-1 loss at Licking Valley on March 30, 2026.
Licking Valley's Emory Whisner watches her home run during the Panthers' 7-1 victory against visiting Lancaster on March 30, 2026.
Licking Valley beats visiting Lancaster 7-1 on March 30, 2026.
Licking Valley beats visiting Lancaster 7-1 on March 30, 2026.
Licking Valley beats visiting Lancaster 7-1 on March 30, 2026.
Licking Valley beats visiting Lancaster 7-1 on March 30, 2026.
Licking Valley beats visiting Lancaster 7-1 on March 30, 2026.
Licking Valley beats visiting Lancaster 7-1 on March 30, 2026.
Licking Valley beats visiting Lancaster 7-1 on March 30, 2026.
Licking Valley beats visiting Lancaster 7-1 on March 30, 2026.
Licking Valley beats visiting Lancaster 7-1 on March 30, 2026.
Licking Valley beats visiting Lancaster 7-1 on March 30, 2026.
Licking Valley beats visiting Lancaster 7-1 on March 30, 2026.
Licking Valley beats visiting Lancaster 7-1 on March 30, 2026.
Licking Valley beats visiting Lancaster 7-1 on March 30, 2026.
Licking Valley beats visiting Lancaster 7-1 on March 30, 2026.
Licking Valley beats visiting Lancaster 7-1 on March 30, 2026.
Licking Valley beats visiting Lancaster 7-1 on March 30, 2026.
Licking Valley beats visiting Lancaster 7-1 on March 30, 2026.
Licking Valley beats visiting Lancaster 7-1 on March 30, 2026.
Licking Valley beats visiting Lancaster 7-1 on March 30, 2026.
Licking Valley beats visiting Lancaster 7-1 on March 30, 2026.
Licking Valley beats visiting Lancaster 7-1 on March 30, 2026.
Licking Valley beats visiting Lancaster 7-1 on March 30, 2026.
Licking Valley beats visiting Lancaster 7-1 on March 30, 2026.
Licking Valley beats visiting Lancaster 7-1 on March 30, 2026.
Licking Valley beats visiting Lancaster 7-1 on March 30, 2026.
Licking Valley beats visiting Lancaster 7-1 on March 30, 2026.
Licking Valley beats visiting Lancaster 7-1 on March 30, 2026.
Licking Valley beats visiting Lancaster 7-1 on March 30, 2026.
Licking Valley beats visiting Lancaster 7-1 on March 30, 2026.
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Lancaster softball visits Licking Valley
Licking Valley's Chloe Cooperrider heads home to score during the Panthers' 7-1 victory against visiting Lancaster on March 30, 2026.
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Lancaster softball visits Licking Valley
Licking Valley's Chloe Cooperrider heads home to score during the Panthers' 7-1 victory against visiting Lancaster on March 30, 2026.
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Lancaster softball visits Licking Valley
Lancaster's Alieya Garner throws to first from third base for an out during the Golden Gales' 7-1 loss at Licking Valley on March 30, 2026.
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Lancaster softball visits Licking Valley
Licking Valley's D'Neya Dennis throws to first from shortstop for an out during the Panthers' 7-1 victory against visiting Lancaster on March 30, 2026.
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Lancaster softball visits Licking Valley
Lancaster's Kileigh Rohr pitches during the Golden Gales' 7-1 loss at Licking Valley on March 30, 2026.
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Lancaster softball visits Licking Valley
Licking Valley's Dani Lambert hits during the Panthers' 7-1 victory against visiting Lancaster on March 30, 2026.
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Lancaster softball visits Licking Valley
Lancaster's Reese Hughes watches the ball as she heads into third base during the Golden Gales' 7-1 loss at Licking Valley on March 30, 2026.
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Lancaster softball visits Licking Valley
Licking Valley's Emory Whisner pitches during the Panthers' 7-1 victory against visiting Lancaster on March 30, 2026.
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Vote now for the Eagle-Gazette High School Athlete of the Week
Lancaster's Kendall Brown catches a popup during the Golden Gales' 7-1 loss at Licking Valley on March 30, 2026.
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Lancaster softball visits Licking Valley
Licking Valley's Emory Whisner watches her home run during the Panthers' 7-1 victory against visiting Lancaster on March 30, 2026.
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Lancaster softball visits Licking Valley
Licking Valley beats visiting Lancaster 7-1 on March 30, 2026.
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Lancaster softball visits Licking Valley
Licking Valley beats visiting Lancaster 7-1 on March 30, 2026.
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Lancaster softball visits Licking Valley
Licking Valley beats visiting Lancaster 7-1 on March 30, 2026.
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Lancaster softball visits Licking Valley
Licking Valley beats visiting Lancaster 7-1 on March 30, 2026.
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Lancaster softball visits Licking Valley
Licking Valley beats visiting Lancaster 7-1 on March 30, 2026.
15 / 38
Vote now for the Eagle-Gazette High School Athlete of the Week
Licking Valley beats visiting Lancaster 7-1 on March 30, 2026.
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Lancaster softball visits Licking Valley
Licking Valley beats visiting Lancaster 7-1 on March 30, 2026.
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Lancaster softball visits Licking Valley
Licking Valley beats visiting Lancaster 7-1 on March 30, 2026.
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Lancaster softball visits Licking Valley
Licking Valley beats visiting Lancaster 7-1 on March 30, 2026.
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Lancaster softball visits Licking Valley
Licking Valley beats visiting Lancaster 7-1 on March 30, 2026.
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Lancaster softball visits Licking Valley
Licking Valley beats visiting Lancaster 7-1 on March 30, 2026.
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Lancaster softball visits Licking Valley
Licking Valley beats visiting Lancaster 7-1 on March 30, 2026.
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Lancaster softball visits Licking Valley
Licking Valley beats visiting Lancaster 7-1 on March 30, 2026.
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Lancaster softball visits Licking Valley
Licking Valley beats visiting Lancaster 7-1 on March 30, 2026.
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Lancaster softball visits Licking Valley
Licking Valley beats visiting Lancaster 7-1 on March 30, 2026.
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Lancaster softball visits Licking Valley
Licking Valley beats visiting Lancaster 7-1 on March 30, 2026.
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Lancaster softball visits Licking Valley
Licking Valley beats visiting Lancaster 7-1 on March 30, 2026.
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Lancaster softball visits Licking Valley
Licking Valley beats visiting Lancaster 7-1 on March 30, 2026.
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Lancaster softball visits Licking Valley
Licking Valley beats visiting Lancaster 7-1 on March 30, 2026.
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Lancaster softball visits Licking Valley
Licking Valley beats visiting Lancaster 7-1 on March 30, 2026.
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Lancaster softball visits Licking Valley
Licking Valley beats visiting Lancaster 7-1 on March 30, 2026.
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Lancaster softball visits Licking Valley
Licking Valley beats visiting Lancaster 7-1 on March 30, 2026.
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Lancaster softball visits Licking Valley
Licking Valley beats visiting Lancaster 7-1 on March 30, 2026.
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Lancaster softball visits Licking Valley
Licking Valley beats visiting Lancaster 7-1 on March 30, 2026.
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Lancaster softball visits Licking Valley
Licking Valley beats visiting Lancaster 7-1 on March 30, 2026.
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Lancaster softball visits Licking Valley
Licking Valley beats visiting Lancaster 7-1 on March 30, 2026.
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Lancaster softball visits Licking Valley
Licking Valley beats visiting Lancaster 7-1 on March 30, 2026.
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Lancaster softball visits Licking Valley
Licking Valley beats visiting Lancaster 7-1 on March 30, 2026.
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Lancaster softball visits Licking Valley
Licking Valley beats visiting Lancaster 7-1 on March 30, 2026.
LANCASTER – When you have a group of players who are 100% invested in the program, with seniors leading the way, magical things can happen.
The Lancaster softball team has been elite for many years, and this year’s senior class has made sure to carry on that tradition. As the regular season winds down and the postseason is about to begin, this group of six seniors, which includes Kendall Brown, Hailey Rings, Kileigh Rohr, Mia Griggs, Lana Prince and Hannah Smith, is looking to go out on a high note with another deep tournament run.
During their time playing at the varsity level, they have had a ton of success, winning 95 games over the last four years, including two Ohio Capital Conference-Buckeye Division championships, two district titles, a regional championship and a trip to the final four a year ago, marking the first time that has happened in school history.
They have certainly left their mark on the program and left a legacy, but they aren’t done yet. More than anything, this group will be remembered for how they treated their teammates on and off the field.
Six Lancaster softball seniors, from left to right, Mia Griggs, Lana Prince, Hannah Smith, Kendall Brown, Hailey Rings, and Kileigh Rohr, have won 95 games during the past four seasons, as well as reaching the final four for the first time in school history in 2025.
Six Lancaster softball seniors, from left to right, Mia Griggs, Lana Prince, Hannah Smith, Kendall Brown, Hailey Rings, and Kileigh Rohr, have won 95 games during the past four seasons, as well as reaching the final four for the first time in school history in 2025.
After a recent game, they were asked three questions about playing for Lancaster softball the past four seasons.
Here are the questions and their answers:
Can you talk about what Lancaster softball means to you?
Hailey Rings: “Lancaster softball means a lot to me. I’ve been in this program for the past four years, and all the girls I’ve met and played with are so nice. It’s kind of like a sisterhood, so to be able to play in this program means a lot.”
Kileigh Rohr: “It has been an honor, just playing for a program where you make history almost every year, and you are a part of a great culture, it is outstanding to be a part of, and I am so proud of us. It starts with the coaching. The coaching here, you can’t get any better. Just learning so many skills, the memories that you don’t get with a lot of teams. Lancaster softball is different, and I am really happy to be a part of this team.”
Mia Griggs: “It is a great program to be a part of, especially because it has been such a great program for such a long time, and when I was younger, looking up to the girls on varsity, and I knew I wanted to be them. To do that, there were countless hours of extra work. It feels great, and even though our season started rough this year, we stuck together and helped each other to get better. Now we are winning, and it is such a great feeling to be part of a team that feels like a family, especially the seniors. We all click, and it’s just a great thing to be a part of.”
Kendall Brown: “We have made a lot of history in the past four years, and just being a part of that, and knowing how much work we put in, and just watching it play out on the field is truly indescribable. The chemistry we have with each other, and then how it correlates with our play on the field, is a feeling I can’t describe.”
Lana Prince: “It has been amazing. I didn’t expect, coming into the program, that I would be making all these bonds that I’ve created. To be able to make history with this team and to carry the bonds that I’ve made that I will carry with me throughout my life has just been amazing. I love this team so much.”
Hannah Smith: “It means a lot because I have played with these girls since rec ball. I’m not going off to college to play softball, so I’m ending it here, and I feel like this class is so close, so ending with a group that has grown up together means a lot.”
Talk about what it has been like to play for such a successful program:
Rings: “It is awesome because I have never been a part of a program that has had so much success, and I think being part of it has been so awesome.”
Rohr: “Not only are we going out and making history year after year, but it’s the friendships and the memories that come with it. Not every team is as close-knit as we are, especially us six seniors, because we’ve been playing together since we were 8 years old, so we have a close friendship.”
Griggs: “It feels great, and it’s not about the winning part, but how we treat each other on the field. We get along so well and respect each other, and if we didn’t have it, we wouldn’t be as successful as we are. We stick together, we pick each other up, and as soon as anything bad happens, we have those hard talks that help. There aren’t many dull moments in the dugout, and the wins just come with that. We obviously want to win, but that’s not what we focus on. We try to have fun, and the wins will come.”
Brown: “Lancaster has such a big-time reputation and such a high standard, and we knew coming into this program as freshmen what the expectations were, and we are expected to win. It’s all about giving it your all every day. Whether it’s your day or it’s not, it’s about giving it your all for your teammates and wanting to be there for them.”
Prince: “It is a great feeling, but I feel like we play well together and play as a team. We are humble, and we respect all of our opponents, and having that mentality has helped us become a better team.”
Smith: “It means a lot because you see other schools where they have a couple of good years and they don’t have a legacy. I feel like we have lived up to the legacy of past Lancaster teams, and that’s what drives us. I know we all have the same goal to go back to Akron, so we are looking forward to that.”
What is your favorite memory of playing the last four years for Lancaster softball?
Rings: “I have two. Both of our Florida Destin trips were so much fun, going to the beach with the girls and being able to bond with them has put us together, and making it to the final four last year.”
Rohr: “I have a few, so it will be tough to pick one. The first one is making it to the state tournament last year and making school history. I also remember a memory coming back from the regional championship that put us in the final four. We made a circle around Rising Park, and we had everyone cheer, and we knew what a big deal it was and how much support we received, and how much it meant to us.”
Griggs: “I know everyone is going to say going to the state tournament in Akron, and it’s a great memory, but I would honestly say that is a great memory. But the feeling of winning and seeing everyone run onto the field after the regional championship game, and we all just tackled each other. We all looked at each other and said we were going to Akron. We all just sat there, and it was so surreal. We all had happy tears. It was the best bus ride home.”
Kendall Brown: “Going to the state tournament. It was truly an experience like no other. I’ve never felt anything like it. The support we had from the community alone was amazing. The bus ride out of the school and all the people who were there cheering for us was amazing. Just knowing they were all supporting us and there for us was unreal. It didn’t end the way we wanted, but we are going to try to recreate it again this year, and I think we have the pieces to do it. I really want to experience that feeling again.”
Lana Prince: “There are so many. I enjoyed going to the state tournament because it was the first time in school history we had made it there, and being on a team where I formed bonds with my teammates was amazing. Also, our Florida trips. I feel like we got a lot closer on those trips and learning how we can develop together on and off the field.”
Hannah Smith: “My favorite memory has been playing with Kendall Brown, my bestie. We sing and dance to Michael Jackson and Bruno Mars every practice, and every game, and it has been amazing.”
Tom Wilson is a sports reporter for the Lancaster Eagle-Gazette. Contact him at 740-689-5150 or via email at twilson@gannett.com for comments or story tips. Follow him on X at twil2323.
