The target is no longer on the horizon—it’s squarely on Riverside’s back.
Fresh off a dominant 27-5 season that ended with a perfect 6-0 postseason run and an OHSAA Division II state championship, the Beavers enter 2026 as the hunted. But with eight starters back, a deep pitching staff, and a culture built on accountability, Riverside isn’t shying away from expectations—it’s embracing them.
“We are hoping to make another strong playoff run,” said head coach Bill Ross. “We have a lot of players returning, and this group is hungry to get back to the big stage. But our outlook is to focus on one game at a time and never look too far ahead. Most of our starting lineup is returning, but obviously, we have to find a way to replace two absolute stud seniors in Annaliese Davis and Emi Jeras. We are going to take a team approach to fill the voids left by them and rely on our team chemistry to pick each other up.”
That balance—confidence without complacency—defines a program chasing history without being consumed by it.
Championship Standard
Riverside didn’t just win a title in 2025—it set a standard.
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Now, the challenge is ensuring this year’s group writes its own chapter.
“Expectations remain very high for this group,” Ross said. “We return eight starters from last year, and with the players we have back and the players that we added, we are hoping for big things from this team. We plan to push this team with six non-conference games in Myrtle Beach, three games at the Mid-Ohio Classic in Ontario, and non-conference games against Fitch, Massillon Perry, Louisville, Champion, Mentor, Boardman, and Gilmour.”
That schedule isn’t accidental. It’s designed to test a veteran group early—and often.
“We can’t get ahead of ourselves,” Ross said. “Obviously, we had a magical season last year, but that’s done now. We have to make sure this team writes its own story and doesn’t let any games or moments get too big.”
Experience and Leadership
If there’s a foundation for another run, it starts with experience—and plenty of it.
“We have a very experienced and mature group,” Ross said. “This team is primed for big things as long as they can stay focused and feed off each other.”
At the center of it all is senior Clara Granchi, a do-it-all star who embodies Riverside softball.
“Clara is the heartbeat of this team,” Ross said. “She is looked upon to lead this group and continue to be the best player on the field. She is going to pitch a lot of games and be leaned on to produce in the leadoff spot.”
Granchi was dominant a year ago, hitting .474 with 55 hits, six home runs, and 36 RBI while also going 11-3 in the circle with a 2.98 ERA and 115 strikeouts.
She’s far from alone.
Junior shortstop Maddi Proud (.405, 45 hits, 43 RBI) anchors the infield.
“Maddi is the best shortstop to come through Riverside,” Ross said. “She keeps getting better each year. She has taken on a bigger leadership role this year, and I can’t wait to see her in action.”
In center field, Becca Tornow (.360, 6 HR, 35 RBI) provides power and range.
“Becca has turned into a ball hawk in center field,” Ross said. “She is the catalyst of our outfield and will be relied on to produce at the plate.”
And at first base, Emma Wilhelm (.393, 31 RBI), now committed to Tiffin, remains a cornerstone.
“Emma is a rock for us and will be needed to catch some, too, this year,” Ross said. “She is playing relaxed this year after committing to Tiffin University. I am looking forward to another big year from her.”
Offense Reloaded
Riverside’s lineup doesn’t just return—it reloads.
Senior Olivia Powell (.355, 2 HR) brings consistency at third base.
“Liv is as steady as they come at the hot corner,” Ross said. “She has the legacy of making the play to end the state championship game, but her biggest strength is her consistency at third base and in the box. I am expecting a big year from Liv.”
In the outfield, Nica Dolce (.389) emerged as a postseason force.
“Nica came into her own last year and was an absolute beast during the playoff run,” Ross said. “She is primed for a big second season on varsity.”
Brooklynn Kleps (.346) and Brynn Urban lock down right field, while Maggie Corlette (.318) adds energy and production as a senior bat.
“Mags will be counted on to step up and get more at-bats this year,” Ross said. “She brings so much energy and positivity to this team.”
Sophomore Sammi Granchi (.283) is expected to take the next step at second base.
“Sammi had a good freshman year and will now be asked to play more innings as a sophomore,” Ross said. “I believe she is ready.”
Pitching Depth
Riverside’s success in 2026 may hinge on its depth in the circle—and the Beavers have options.
Behind Granchi, junior Maddy Kevern returns healthy and versatile.
“Maddy comes into this season healthy and ready to help this team in many ways,” Ross said. “She will be relied on to pitch, play outfield, and some first base, and to be a rock in the heart of the lineup. Maddy is set up for a big season.”
Seniors Jenna Janezic and Tenleigh Hammond round out the staff.
“Jenna will eat up some innings for us, and I am excited to see her play her senior year,” Ross said. “Tenleigh is a player who will do whatever is asked of her. She is so easy to coach and is a tremendous teammate.”
The Next Wave
Even with a veteran core, the path back to Akron may depend on new faces.
“We need our younger and inexperienced players to step up,” Ross said. “We have built a culture at Riverside that can never be diminished. It doesn’t matter who you are on this team; everyone needs to raise the bar this season.”
That starts behind the plate, where freshmen Camille Corlette and Emma Wilhelm will help replace a major void.
“We need Camille to develop quickly into a varsity catcher,” Ross said. “I don’t think anyone can fill the void left by Emi Jeras, but Camille sure looks eager to give it a shot.”
Final Word
The Beavers aren’t chasing last year—they’re chasing what’s next.
With elite leadership, proven production, and a roster full of players who know exactly what it takes to win in June, Riverside enters 2026 not just as the defending champion—but as a program built to sustain it.
The target is bigger. The road is harder.
But if Riverside has proven anything, it’s this:
They don’t just handle pressure—they turn it into another championship run.
Riverside Softball
