The Chagrin Valley Conference enters the 2026 softball season with a competitive mix of experienced contenders and developing programs looking to take the next step. Across all four divisions, teams bring back key contributors in the circle and the field, setting the stage for a season defined by balance and depth.
Several programs return core groups with the ability to compete for division titles, while others will rely on growth and emerging talent to close the gap. With strong pitching, veteran leadership, and lineup continuity spread throughout the conference, the margin for error will be thin on a nightly basis.
As the 2026 season unfolds, consistency and timely execution will likely determine which teams separate themselves in what projects to be a tightly contested conference race.
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CHAGRIN DIVISION
- Harvey
- Hawken
- Lutheran West
- Orange: Orange returns seven starters and 10 letterwinners from a .500 team and enters 2026 with its sights set on a Chagrin Division title. Led by standout junior Kelsey Lewis and a versatile, team-first roster, the Lions have the tools to contend.
- Perry: Perry enters 2026 looking to build on a 21-9 season and a regional finals appearance, but will do so with a younger roster and no seniors. The Pirates will lean on standout center fielder Arianna Rogers and a strong pitching duo of Sophie Sivon and Morgan Winters to stay competitive in the CVC. If the new pieces develop quickly, Perry has the foundation to remain in the conference race.
- West Geauga: West Geauga returns a deep and experienced roster after a district championship and regional semifinal run, bringing back seven starters from last season. The Wolverines feature strength throughout the lineup and defensive consistency up the middle, giving them one of the more balanced teams in the CVC. With both experience and depth, West Geauga is built to make another postseason push.
LAKE DIVISION
- Conneaut: Conneaut returns seven starters and looks to turn experience into progress after a 4-14 season. The Spartans will rely on returning leadership while also counting on several younger players to step into key roles across the lineup. If that mix can come together, Conneaut has the potential to be more competitive in the CVC Lake Division.
- Edgewood: Edgewood softball returns seven starters and eight lettermen from a 16-win team, led by ace Luci Paolillo and a deep, high-powered lineup, making the Warriors a strong contender for the CVC Lake Division title and a deep postseason run in 2026.
- Geneva: Geneva enters 2026 aiming to build on last season with a roster that blends returning experience and developing youth. The Eagles will look for improved consistency at the plate while continuing to grow defensively and in the circle. If that progression takes hold, Geneva has the opportunity to climb the standings in the CVC Lake Division.
- Jefferson: Jefferson enters the 2026 season with six returning starters, led by standout performers Rylee DeMattia, Kennidie Rogers, and Alaina Barress. With a strong offensive core and Olivia Lewis anchoring the pitching staff, the Falcons have the pieces to contend in the CVC Lake Division if they can quickly adapt to a new coaching system.
- Lakeside
- Madison: Madison returns a solid core from a 12-7 season, giving the Blue Streaks a chance to remain competitive in the CVC Lake Division. With experienced players back in key roles and added depth throughout the lineup, Madison has a balanced group capable of staying in the mix. Continued development and consistency will be key as the season unfolds.
METRO DIVISION
- Beachwood: Beachwood returns one of the most experienced lineups in the CVC Metro Division, bringing back seven starters and a core of senior leaders. With strength in defense and hitting, the Bison are positioned for a turnaround season if they can solidify their pitching depth.
- Brooklyn
- Cuyahoga Heights: Cuyahoga Heights returns seven starters from a team that reached the regional round a year ago, but this year’s group will rely heavily on youth to stay near the top of the Metro Division. Junior standout Aly Williams headlines the lineup after a .510 season, while Giada Presot anchors things behind the plate. With a freshman stepping into the ace role in the circle and several sophomores filling key spots, the Red Wolves have the pieces — but their success will hinge on growth, execution, and consistency.
- Fairview
- Independence
- Trinity
VALLEY DIVISION
- Berkshire: Berkshire softball enters 2026 with a mix of experienced leaders and emerging young talent. Led by Penn State commit Whitney Davis and a strong pitching staff, the Badgers aim to defend their conference title while overcoming depth challenges and making a deeper postseason run.
- Chagrin Falls
- Crestwood: Crestwood softball enters 2026 with seven returning starters, strong internal competition, and a talented freshman class. With improved defense and continued development, the Red Devils look to grow and challenge opponents in the CVC Valley Division.
- Kirtland: Kirtland brings back a deep and experienced roster with seven starters and 13 letterwinners returning after an 8-10 season. The Hornets have strength across the field and the depth to compete on a nightly basis in the CVC Valley Division. If that experience translates into consistency, Kirtland has the potential to push toward the top half of the standings.
- Rootstown: The Rootstown softball team enters the 2026 season as a strong contender in the CVC Valley Division behind a core of experienced upperclassmen and impactful newcomers. With leadership at catcher, shortstop, and in the circle, along with a lineup that blends power and speed across multiple positions, the Rovers have the tools to compete at the top of the conference. Their success will depend on defensive execution and consistent production throughout the lineup, but if those areas come together, Rootstown is positioned to challenge for a conference title and make a deeper postseason run.
- Wickliffe: Wickliffe returns one of the area’s top pitchers in Leigha Blazetic and key senior leadership in Amanda Peklay as the Blue Devils chase a fourth straight CVC title. Despite some inexperience, the program’s winning culture and versatility position them as a contender once again.
SOFTBALL HEADQUARTERS
