Quick Stats
- Head Coach: James Godby
- Key Players: Emily Volpe (12th, 1st Base); Piper Edge (10th, 3rd Base/Shortstop); Brielle Baessler (10th, Pitcher)
- New Faces: Alina Diaconescu (10), Grace Harmon (10), Lily O’Donnell (9), Mila Andrews (9), Peyton Bennett (9)
- Games to Watch: Home vs. PJP (4/10) & Home vs. Pottstown (Senior Day, 4/27)
The Outlook: A Rising Dynasty
The Lady Vikings are stepping onto the diamond this spring with a massive target on their backs, and they wouldn’t want to have it any other way. Coming off an impressive season where they secured their second straight Frontier Division championship and advanced to the second round of the district playoffs, the team is now eyeing a historic three-peat. They look to dominate the Frontier Division once again, and push even deeper into the postseason.
For Senior Captain Emily Volpe, the goal is clear: break the ceiling of the playoffs. When asked about the team’s goals for the season, Volpe stated, “Honestly, make it farther in districts than what we have been making in years past because last year I think we got knocked out it the second round, and the year before that we got knocked out second round, and I think we can definitely make it farther I think we definitely have it in us like we just have to lock in.”
This lock in mentality is echoed by the coaching staff. When asking Assistant Coach Melissa Toto what she believes is the word of the year, she stated, “Hungry. We won the Frontier Division in 2025 and 2024 and we want to win again! We want to prove those who say we are too young wrong.” While some critics have pointed out that this young team will be a flaw, Coach Toto believes that is a major positive, and I believe that it is too. Having such a skilled yet younger team shows that this is just the beginning of the Vikings rising dynasty.
That potential has been forged through a serious winter grind. These ladies have put in the work over the winter to get better and better every week. Volpe talked about the positive use of the turf room practice space and how helpful that has been for the hitting ability of the team, as well as the freshman gaining confidence in their own abilities for their first high school season. With this practice space available a few nights a week, the Vikings have been able to get better when other teams don’t have that same opportunity.
Meet the Roster: Experience Meets Potential
The backbone of the Vikings’ roster lies in a trio of decorated returners. Emily Volpe (Senior), Piper Edge (Sophomore), and Brielle Baessler (Sophomore) are three very important players for this team to have returning. Because of Volpe and Edge being awarded with Frontier All-Division First team honors last season, and Baessler being Frontier All-Division Second team, they are an exciting trio to watch.
The real “X-Factor” of the year might be the team’s offensive potential. Coach Toto is high on the squad’s athleticism and speed. “We are a young team this year, but we will be exciting. We are aggressive at the plate and on the basepath,” she said. Even though this team is young, it shows the bright future for years to come.
The Viking Sisterhood
Beyond the stats and the standings, there is a human element driving this team: chemistry. Both Emily Volpe and Coach Toto agree when it comes to how special this group of players is to the program.
Volpe, reflecting on what she wants to be remembered as in terms of a leader, emphasized the importance of culture. “Just making sure everybody likes each other and is like cheering everybody on because I feel like you can’t have a good team without having people who like cheer each other on or are always there for each other.”
Coach Toto agreed, praising the players’ initiative. “The way this team has shown up for each other on and off the field has always been awesome. The captains and players plan events for the entire team (JV and Varsity) and arrange everything. They support each other through good and bad. We really hope they continue to value each other in this way.” Not only are the players very talented and exciting to watch on the field, but the sisterhood they have developed is something to be jealous of.
Rivalries and Title Runs
If you only circle one date on your calendar this season, make it April 10th, when Upper Merion hosts Pope John Paul II. There has always been a sense of bad blood between the two schools no matter what the sport is. In recent years, the Vikings have been dominating the Panthers in softball. Volpe wants everyone to know what this game means to the team this year: “PJP we always have a crazy comeback with every year, so they are usually out to get us. And they are usually who we are fighting with for the frontier championship.”
The journey to a third Frontier Division Championship title begins now. The Vikings will launch their season at home against Archbishop Carroll at 3:45 PM in the softball stadium. Come out and witness the start of what promises to be an electric run.
