The Helias Lady Crusaders aren't quite sure what kind of softball team they will be this season.
That's what happens when you lose seven seniors from a Final Four team.
"We're probably going to pay our dues for a while," Helias coach Dan Campbell said as the Lady Crusaders get set to open the season today at Battle in Columbia. "We need to get some of these girls comfortable in their spots with some game experience."
The Lady Crusaders have just two seniors on the roster - Haley Kempker and Lindsey Steinbeck. They are being counted on their experience.
"They both were a big part of that team last year," Campbell said. "They know what it takes and they've been good leaders so far.
"It's just bad there are only two of them."
Kempker will get the start in left field. Steinbeck will see time at first base as well as at pitcher.
The Lady Crusaders return two other veteran players in sophomores Abbi Pringer and Sophia Carr.
Pringer was a full-time starter at second base last season, while also seeing time at pitcher.
"She hit the ground running and never slowed down," Campbell said.
Carr was in the lineup at third base.
"We're looking for big things from her," Campbell said.
After that, it's a lot of inexperience. Helias will have at least four freshman on the field.
"That's a bit of a concern," Campbell said. "When you add in the two sophomores, we are definitely young.
"We know we're going to make mistakes, but we need to grow up pretty quick. We don't want to overwhelm them and for them to get frustrated, so we are going to be as patient as we can."
Lauren Howell, a freshman, will start the season as Helias' No. 1 pitcher.
"She's been impressive so far in practice," Campbell said. "She throws pretty hard and has a good rise ball.
"I don't think this competition will be too much for her, I think she can step right in and be successful. We just need to play good defense behind her and get her some runs."
Campbell likes Helias' depth in the circle.
"I think our pitching is going to be good enough that if we can score three or four runs, we have a chance to win," Campbell said.
Riley Heckenkamp, another freshman, will get the start at catcher.
"She and Lauren played a lot together this fall," Campbell said. "Riley has been pretty impressive behind the plate, she blocks the ball well and gets rid of the ball pretty quickly."
Riley Kolb and Kenley Haslag, both freshmen, are in the mix with Steinbeck at first base.
Taylor Woehr, another freshman, will start at second base. She will move to shortstop when Pringer is pitching.
Kolb and freshman Abigale Hoelscher are battling for the starting spot in center field. Haslag and junior Sidney Kilgore are competing for the spot in right field.
The DH spot is up for grabs among the reserves.
Tori Hartman, a sophomore, and freshman Emily Harrison will come off the bench as runners.
"We're still in the competition phase," Campbell said. "Until we get a few games under out belt, we could have a variety of lineups."
Campbell believes in the inexperience may show up most at the plate.
"We're concerned about that with all the underclassmen," Campbell said. "We've been emphasizing putting the ball in play to get someone on and then working on getting them home."
Helias, which will be playing its home games at the American Legion Post 5 Sports Complex this season, opens the home slate Thursday against Rolla.