SOFTBALL: Warriors Hope Experience Pays Off

A 13-5 record with a starting lineup including five freshmen and a sophomore leaves plenty of hope for the future.

Thats where the softball team stands heading into the 2012 season, after a successful year with a young squad a year ago.

The Warriors are led by senior pitcher , and a combination of youth and experience. 

"We look to be extremely competitve and I believe this is my most athletic and versatile team in my [six] years running the team," Warriors coach Ed Yodris wrote in an email.

In total, 11 players will return, including eight starters.

Sophomore will pitch and play first base. Junior Hailey Bethke will catch and play second base. Freshman Taylor Smith joins the fray playing both first and third base.

Seniors , Tori Caine, Dana Teufer, and Kaitlyn Husfelt will provide leadership, Yodris said.

The core, though, is still young, including second-year players Thompson, Riley Arnold, Rebecca Ashman and Emily and Allison Lewis, as well as newcomers Smith and Kayla Vaughan.

The spring schedule opens Wednesday. Check back then for a full schedule for the Warriors.

TELL US: How do you think the Warriors will do this season? Leave a comment.