Galena Grizzlies Softball and Baseball Season Preview

Galena Grizzlies Softball

Head Coach: Andrea Barton, 3^rd Season as Varsity HC at Galena

Previous Season Record: 9-23 overall, 4-12 league

Overview: The Galena Grizzlies softball team enters the 2025-26 season looking to build momentum with a mix of returning experience and developing talent. With several players stepping into larger roles, the focus early will be on continuing to grow together and gaining consistency as the schedule unfolds. The team is hopeful that steady improvement throughout the spring will help them stay competitive and develop confidence as the year progresses.

Offensively, the Grizzlies lineup is expected to be led by a trio of playmakers capable of generating runs in a variety of ways. Whether through timely hits, aggressive base running, or putting pressure on opposing defenses, the group will be counted on to spark the offense and set the tone at the plate. Their ability to produce consistently could play a key role in the team’s success this season and into the future.

Defensively, The Grizz continues to emphasize growth and improvement while gaining valuable experience across the field. In the circle, The Grizz will trot out two underclassmen pitchers who will be asked to lead the charge, providing the team with energy and potential as they continue to develop throughout the season. With young talent and a commitment to improvement, The Grizz will look to take steps forward as the season progresses. Without further ado, here are Coach Barton's responses to our questions we asked her last month.

What can we expect from your team this season?

Offense – As we head into softball season, our offensive identity will revolve around three key players who bring leadership, production, and competitive energy to a young Galena squad: senior Ella (Smith), junior Lucy (Makoutz), and sophomore Taylor (Cunningham). Each of them plays a different but equally important role in setting the tone at the plate and building confidence throughout the lineup. As our senior, Ella anchors the offense with experience and composure. She understands situational hitting, knows how to work counts, and consistently puts together quality at-bats. Whether it’s moving a runner, driving in key runs, or sparking a rally, she approaches every plate appearance with purpose. Beyond her production, Ella’s leadership is invaluable. She models focus [during] practice, keeps the dugout engaged, and shows the younger players what it means to compete every inning.

Her steady presence gives this young team confidence. Lucy, our junior, brings toughness and versatility to the lineup. She’s the type of hitter who can adjust to any situation, laying down a bunt when needed, battling with two strikes, or delivering an extra-base hit to shift momentum. Lucy plays with grit and intensity, and that edge fuels the entire offense. She bridges the gap between experience and youth, helping keep the lineup balanced while providing consistency in the middle of the order. Taylor, even as a sophomore, brings a dynamic spark. She plays fearlessly and isn’t afraid of big moments. Her aggressiveness at the plate puts pressure on opposing pitchers and defenses. Whether she’s driving the ball into a gap or driving one deep, Taylor’s energy changes the tempo of the game. She plays with confidence beyond her years, and that belief spreads quickly to the rest of the team.

Together, Ella, Lucy, and Taylor will lead Galena offensively by setting the standard for quality at-bats, smart baserunning, and relentless competitiveness. For a young team, tone-setting is about more than just scoring runs — it’s about energy in the dugout, discipline in the batter’s box, and resilience after tough innings. These three embody those qualities. With Ella’s senior leadership, Lucy’s steady all-around presence, and Taylor’s explosive energy, Galena’s offense will have a strong foundation. Their example and production will help shape the identity of this young team and push everyone around them to rise to the challenge this season.

Defense – This year’s softball team may be young on the defensive side, but it’s a group filled with potential, energy, and a willingness to grow. With several players stepping into new roles and gaining valuable varsity experience, every inning will be an opportunity to learn, adjust, and improve. While youth can bring challenges, it also brings enthusiasm, coachability, and a hunger to prove themselves.

Defensively, growth will be a process. Communication, positioning, and game-speed decision making are all areas that naturally develop with experience. The more reps this group gets together, the more comfortable and confident they will become. Early-season mistakes will serve as teaching moments, helping build trust and chemistry across the field. What matters most is how this team responds — and this group has shown the resilience and work ethic to keep improving every day.

One of the most exciting parts about a young defense is watching the progression from game to game. Timing sharpens, reactions get quicker, and confidence builds with each play made. As the season moves forward, the small improvements — cleaner transitions, stronger throws, better communication — will add up in big ways. The foundation being built now will not only impact this season but will strengthen the program moving forward.

Most importantly, this team understands that growth doesn’t happen overnight. It takes patience, accountability, and a commitment to getting better at every practice and every game. With a positive mindset and a willingness to learn from both success and adversity, this young defensive group will continue to develop into a cohesive, reliable unit. There may be growing pains along the way, but there is also tremendous upside. As the season progresses, [we] expect to see a team that becomes more confident, more connected, and more consistent — learning, competing, and improving together every step of the way.

Pitching – Our two freshman pitchers, Lyla Womack and Hailey Koehler, are putting in the work to make big strides at the varsity level. Stepping into the circle as freshmen takes courage and confidence, and both have embraced the challenge with a positive attitude and strong work ethic. Lyla continues to grow more consistent and comfortable each time she competes, showing determination and a willingness to learn. Hailey has demonstrated great poise and resilience, using every opportunity to gain experience and improve. Both are committed to getting better every day, and their progress is exciting to watch. With continued hard work and confidence, they are building a strong foundation for success at the varsity level.

Returners for the 2026 season – 3, (position players only).

What is the key to your team’s success this season? The key to our success this season will be adjustments and growth. With a young team competing at a high level, the ability to learn quickly, make in-game adjustments, and improve from one performance to the next will make all the difference. Adjustments — whether at the plate, in the circle, or on defense — show maturity and awareness. The game of softball is all about responding to situations, making smart changes, and staying confident under pressure. Teams that can adapt are the ones that find consistent success. Growth will be our focus every single day. That means learning from mistakes, building on strengths, and continuing to develop chemistry and communication. If we commit to getting better each practice and each game, the results will follow. Our mindset will be simple: improve, adjust, and keep moving forward together.

Players to watch:

Sophomore Taylor Cunningham, 1B/3B

Senior Ella Smith, C/3B

Junior Lucy Makoutz, Utility/OF

Sophomore Kalia Kaululaau, 3B/Utility

League Schedule:

2/26 at McQueen

2/28 vs. North Valleys

3/3 vs. Bishop Manogue

3/5 at Bishop Manogue

3/7 vs. Reed

3/10 at Reed

3/12 at Spanish Springs

3/14 vs. Spanish Springs

3/17 at Douglas

3/31 vs. Douglas

4/7 vs. North Valleys

4/11 at North Valleys

4/14 at Carson

4/16 vs. Carson

4/18 at McQueen

4/21 vs. McQueen

4/25 vs. Reno

4/28 at Reno

4/30 at Damonte Ranch

5/2 vs. Damonte Ranch

Galena Grizzlies Baseball

Head Coach: Rusty Bendle, 1^st Season as Varsity HC at Galena HS

Previous Season Record: 16-12 overall, 9-7 league

Overview: The Galena Grizzlies baseball team enters the season with their third different head coach in as many years and a fresh roster after graduating much of last year’s lineup, returning only two starters from a year ago. With many new players stepping into larger roles, the focus early in the season will be on developing chemistry and gaining experience while continuing to compete throughout the schedule.

Offensively, the emphasis will be on timely hitting and making quality contact at the plate. The coaching staff hopes the lineup can capitalize on scoring opportunities by putting the ball in play and producing runs when chances arise.

Defensively, the Grizzlies will focus on limiting free bases by playing quality, fundamental defense. By avoiding errors and making routine plays, The Grizz hope to stay competitive in games while the younger roster continues to gain confidence and experience over the course of the season.

What can we expect from your team this season?

Offense – Quality contact and situational hitting throughout the lineup.

Defense – Good pitching that will fill up the strike zone. Strong up the middle with explosive speed in the outfield.

Pitching – Multiple pitchers who will throw multiple pitches for strikes.

Returning starters for the 2026 season – 2

What is the key to your team’s success this season? Timely hitting on offense and limited free bases on defense.

Players to watch:

Senior Memphis Venis – Venis batted .222 with five runs batted in last season. He should be one of Northern Nevada’s best two-way players this season.

Senior Logan Green – Green batted .269 with 18 hits and 14 RBIs last spring for The Grizz.

Senior Jayden Quintero – Quintero batted .322 with 19 hits and 10 RBIs last season and he’ll look to be a tone setter for The Grizz this spring.

Senior Russell Slamowitz – Slamowitz batted .250 and drove in a pair of runs for The Grizz last season.

Junior Nathan Cordell – Cordell batted .262 with 17 hits and 17 RBIs last spring. He’s in line for a big junior season this spring.

Junior Charles Tipton – Tipton is a right handed flamethrower who will also man the outfield for The Grizz this spring.

Sophomore Dray Noble – Noble, whose father Brad was a Three-sport athlete at McQueen back in the day, will be an everyday starter at multiple positions for The Grizz this spring.

Sophomore Andrew Duguid – Duguid will do good for The Grizz this season, as he is one of five sophomores on Varsity this season.

League Schedule:

3/3 at North Valleys

3/4 at McQueen

3/12 at Reed

3/14 at Reno

3/17 vs. McQueen

3/19 vs. Douglas

3/20 vs. Damonte Ranch

3/31 at Bishop Manogue

4/2 vs. Damonte Ranch

4/4 at Carson

4/7 vs. North Valleys

4/9 at Spanish Springs

4/11 vs. Reed

4/14 vs. Reno

4/16 at McQueen

4/18 at Douglas

4/21 vs. Bishop Manogue

4/23 at Damonte Ranch

4/25 vs. Carson

4/28 at North Valleys

4/29 vs. Spanish Springs