HCPSS Athletics Weekly Update - Relay Wins, Baseball Season Recap and more...

Baseball ⚾

The Howard County baseball season ended with seven teams winning 10 or more games, which is the most in at least the last decade. The countywide success over the past three months showcased different programs and optimism for 2027

Here are CSZ's picks for end of season team awards:

Team of the Year: Glenelg

The Gladiators led the county this season and brought their momentum into the playoffs. Glenelg had the only regional win for Howard County when they defeated Long Reach 4-3. That win clinched the best record in the county and took the rematch against the Lightning.

Pitching carried Glenelg in an improved staff from the 2025 team. In the first three games, the Gladiators allowed 30 runs and started 1-2. A season-worst 19-0 loss to River Hill provided the turning point for Glenelg's contention aspirations.

Glenelg's arms sharpened into top form after that, from the end of March through the playoffs. They averaged three runs per game for the final 14 games of the regular season. In that span, Glenelg recorded more shutouts than losses. The Gladiators’ arms would only allow more than six runs once in that span, giving up 16 to Marriotts Ridge.

The roster depth powered an 11-3 record to close the regular season. That elite performance earned a number one seed in the 2A West II regional bracket. Facing Southern in the second round of regionals, the pitching brought a win in a rematch of the 2025 regional championship. 

Mason Schreiner authored five innings of no-hit ball with only an unearned run allowed. He worked in and out of trouble after surrendering six walks. Caden Starcher slammed the door in the final two innings to record a save, setting down the final three with the tying run on base in the seventh inning.

Miles Kirk kept up his dominant season with a complete game bid taken to the last out against Long Reach. Glenelg escaped a late jam to beat Long Reach.  The Gladiators won another close game, finishing 5-3 in games decided by three or fewer runs.

Glenelg lost to Kent Island in the first round of states but still advanced further than any other county squad. The Gladiators should be at the top of the standings next year as they pursue a second championship in the 2020s.

Most Improved Team: Hammond

The Golden Bears took a big step forward this year. No other county team had as many wins added between seasons. Hammond finished five wins better than 2025 when they went 2-14.

A 0-5 start initially signaled a similar story this year. Hammond allowed eight runs in four of those games and did not score more than four in any of them. The 2025 team that won two games managed to go 2-3 to start its season, signaling danger ahead for the 2026 Golden Bears.

Hammond stopped its slide with an 11-2 win against Oakland Mills for just the fourth road win in the past three seasons. The Golden Bears used that win to go 4-2 in their next six games. They stumbled toward the end of the season with a 2-4 finish, but showed the key to how they can move toward the top of the standings

Hammond's goal will be to improve the pitching for 2027. When they allowed eight runs, the Golden Bears went 1-10. Their 6-2 record in the other games shows promise for finding more consistency next season.

Track and Field🏃‍♀️

Hammond picked up a thrilling win in the 2A MPSSAA championships. They got the only first-place finish among any HoCo team in relays.

The Golden Bears won the 4×100-meter relay with a 49.12-second final time. They secured the victory by the slimmest of margins, beating Wicomico by just 0.01 seconds.

Hammond’s Naima Butler, Sarah Opara-Murambiwa, Lydia Woodward and India Woodward contributed to one of the best HoCo wins this spring!

In the 4×200-meter relay, Hammond secured the win and had a full second to spare over
Hereford.

Naima Butler and India Woodward competed in both of Hammond’s wins and were joined by Sarah Opara-Murambiwa and Jillian Krause for the 200.

Softball 🥎

The softball season is over after Mt. Hebron lost 3-1 to Huntingtown in the 2A championship. The Vikings finished their year with an incredible 20-1 record and ended a 21-year drought without a championship appearance. The projected best roster in the county will hunt for the first Mt. Hebron championship next season.

Girls’ Lacrosse 🥍

Centennial’s incredible run came to an end in the 2A championship with a 15-4 loss to Manchester Valley. The Eagles have so much to be proud of after making their first championship appearance in the program’s best season ever.

Marriotts Ridge’s bid for back-to-back championships came up short against Severna Park. The Mustangs fell 9-8 and closed their season at 13-4. The team’s talent is undeniable and they are still a favorite for 2027 when the time comes.

Boys’ Lacrosse 🥍

Glenelg made it further than any county team, going all the way to the second round of the state tournament. The Gladiators fell 14-6 to Kent Island, but their dominance is not defined by that final game. Between their first and last game, the Gladiators won 15 straight games, winning 14 of them by five or more goals.

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