The 2026 season was another strong year for the Archbishop Spalding Cavaliers varsity softball program, as the Cavaliers once again proved they could compete with some of the top programs in the IAAM. Spalding finished the season with an 11-8 overall record and an impressive 8-2 mark in conference play, finishing near the top of the IAAM standings.

Throughout the spring, the Cavaliers showed the balanced style that has become associated with Archbishop Spalding softball in recent seasons — strong pitching, aggressive baserunning, timely hitting, and the ability to stay competitive against some of the toughest programs in Maryland private school softball.

The season featured several important conference wins, including victories over Notre Dame Prep and McDonogh, while the Cavaliers also battled through a demanding non-conference schedule that included nationally competitive opponents during tournament play. Even in losses, Spalding consistently showed it could compete inning-for-inning with quality programs.

One of the biggest strengths for Archbishop Spalding this season was offensive consistency. The Cavaliers finished the year with a .433 team batting average and a .514 on-base percentage, showing their ability to consistently put pressure on opposing defenses.

Leading the way offensively was Addy Carlson, who emerged as one of the Cavaliers’ most productive all-around players. Carlson finished the season hitting .421 while also serving as one of the team’s top pitchers with a 2.26 ERA. Her ability to contribute both in the circle and at the plate made her one of the key leaders on the roster.

Cayleigh Spear also turned in a strong season, posting a team-best .533 on-base percentage while adding steady defense with a .955 fielding percentage. Spear consistently found ways to get on base and helped ignite the Cavaliers offense throughout conference play.

Taylor Codi provided another important spark for Spalding, leading the team in both home runs and stolen bases. Codi finished the season with one home run and seven stolen bases, giving the Cavaliers speed and versatility near the top of the lineup.

Defensively, the Cavaliers improved steadily as the season progressed. The pitching staff kept Spalding competitive in many close games, while the defense became more consistent during the second half of the year. The Cavaliers showed an ability to respond after adversity, something that reflected the maturity of the roster and the competitiveness of the program.

Another major positive for Spalding was the continued development of younger players gaining varsity experience. The roster featured a combination of experienced contributors and younger athletes who stepped into larger roles throughout the spring, giving the program optimism moving forward.

The IAAM remains one of the toughest softball conferences in the region, filled with Division I caliber talent and nationally respected programs, making Spalding’s 8-2 conference record even more impressive. The Cavaliers remained firmly in the conference race deep into the season and once again established themselves as one of the stronger softball programs in Maryland private school athletics.

While the season may not have ended with a championship trophy, the overall direction of the program continues to look promising. Archbishop Spalding showed toughness, consistency, and depth throughout 2026, while several players emerged as impact contributors.

For the Cavaliers, the 2026 season felt like another step toward sustained success within one of the state’s most competitive softball conferences.