January 19, 2026

Carson-Newman Softball Position Preview: Pitchers & Catchers

Lorelei Spradlin provides insight into the pitchers and catchers in the build to the 2026 season

JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – In preparation for the 2026 season, we begin our softball position previews with insight into the pitchers and catchers with help from sophomore pitcher Lorelei Spradlin.

Over the offseason, the Eagles lost Second Team All-South Atlantic Conference pitcher Syerra Rogers, who produced a career year in 2025. The Graysville native was the ace in the circle for the Eagles, tallying 14 wins, 4.21 ERA, 130 strikeouts, 126.1 innings pitched, while achieving a .271 batting average, 10 home runs and 28 RBI. Rogers finished her Carson-Newman career with 394 strikeouts, seventh-most all-time in 363 innings pitched, the eighth-most all-time, along with 103 appearances and 79 starts, both the seventh-most in program history.

"I think I got in my head a lot last year, so learning from her that we control the game," Spradlin said. "I can control the pace of the game and just do my thing confidently."

Spradlin headlines the returners in the circle, spending last year as the No. 2 starting pitcher. The Blacksburg, Virginia native finished with a 5.48 ERA across 23 appearances with 17 starts, going 8-6 across 84.1 innings, including seven complete games, with 72 strikeouts to 34 walks. She was named SAC Pitcher of the Week on 2/28 following three straight quality outings, picking up her first SAC weekly honor.

"We have a lot of talent this year, I think we can go far," Spradlin said. "I've talked to Coach Holly a lot about specific goals, and hopefully just racking up some more accolades and doing whatever I can to get the win, I think that's the most important thing."

Senior Riley Sikes returns as another veteran arm, in addition to freshmen newcomers in Atiana Stamper, Sarah Walker, Lacey Keck, Emma Romeka and Kaliah Merrit.

"I'm really excited for Riley to be back with us, I know she's battling some injuries," Spradlin said. "Atiana, she's been bringing the heat, as well as Sarah. We have Lacey, I think Emma will be really good, and Kaliah is coming off an injury. So just a whole new group of girls that I'm excited to see what they bring."

The Knoxville native, Stamper, has been turning heads in the circle with strong outings in the fall and has been praised for her velocity.

"The other upperclassmen and I were talking the other day after live scrimmages," Macauley Bailey said. "Her movement is insane, and for her to be just a freshman, I can't wait to see what she does throughout the year."

There will also be a new facilitator behind the plate. With the departure of Kennady Warder, freshman catcher Anne Marie Richards will fill the void. Warder posted career-bests in 2025 with a .347 average, .403 on-base percentage, .644 slugging with nine home runs, the fourth most on the team and drove in 24 runs. Warder finished her career with a .303 average, 20 home runs and 93 RBI, with four years as the starting catcher.

She comes to practice every day with such great energy," Spradlin said. "She's always talking and connecting with all of our teammates. I think she'll be really strong behind the plate."

Richards, a Spring Hill native, has stood out with her command defensively, but also with her bat. Adding more power to an already explosive offense that makes life tough every day for the pitching staff.

"We scrimmage a lot, so it's bittersweet to come into practice and know that I have to pitch against Mac, Santana and even A.M. she's got a good bat," Spradlin said. "It's a little nerve-racking pitching to them, but knowing that they're going to be hitting off of our opponents makes me confident in our abilities for the season as well."

Senior Bailee Worley will be another name to start at catcher. The Black Mountain, North Carolina native has 29 appearances across her two years at C-N. Additionally, sophomore Katey Mathena has the versatility to give time behind the plate.

The Carson-Newman softball position previews continue Thursday, January 22^nd, with a look at the team's infielders with Macauley Bailey.