New Palestine Softball Team Battles Hard but Falls Short in 3A Championship

WEST LAFAYETTE — Ed Marcum, who has been a guiding presence for the New Palestine softball team since the early 2000s, reflected on his journey after the Dragons' 6-3 defeat to Hanover Central in the Class 3A state final on Friday. After 23 seasons of coaching, the former player now finds himself nicknamed "Grandpa" by his team. "This is the first team to call me 'G,' which is what my grandkids call me," he shared. "I take it as an honor."

The 2026 New Palestine Dragons (24-8) marked a distinctive chapter in the program's history. They became the first team under Marcum to finish a season with more than five losses, showcasing resilience after a tough start in sectionals against Indian Creek. Senior pitcher Sadey Hughbanks expressed the team's motivation, saying, "Everyone wanted it for our seniors, us seniors wanted it for our coach, and our coaches wanted it for the community."

Taking to Purdue's Bittinger Stadium, New Palestine initially seized the lead, scoring two runs in the first inning after capitalizing on defensive errors by Hanover Central. However, the Wildcats quickly responded, scoring consistently throughout the game, including a pivotal two-run fourth inning. Hughbanks noted their opponents' ability to find gaps, saying, "Honestly, I think they were just sticking their bats out sometimes and poking it somewhere that we weren't."

On the mound for Hanover, Jillian DeYoung delivered an impressive performance, striking out 11 batters and allowing only four runs on seven hits. Her mix of pitch speeds and strategic placements kept the Dragons guessing. "Her changeup was devastating," Marcum commented, acknowledging the challenge his hitters faced against DeYoung's pitching.

In a last-ditch effort during the seventh inning, New Palestine rallied with two outs, beginning with a single from Callie Cromwell and followed by an RBI double from Payton Dye. However, DeYoung closed out the game with a three-pitch strikeout. "I'm so proud of the girls for that, but we just couldn't pull through," Marcum said, reflecting on the team's fight.

The loss marks the end of the high school journey for New Palestine's seniors, who wrap up their careers with 99 wins, two state runner-up finishes, and last season's regional championship. Senior Saydie Miller, who received the 3A Mental Attitude Award, expressed her gratitude for her time in the program, stating, "I always say we're blessed to be in this program, for sure."