A senior-heavy softball team last year has turned into a freshman- and junior-heavy group this year for the Jefferson City Lady Jays.
The Lady Jays, who are replacing seven seniors, including the top five in the batting order, may have just as many freshmen on the field as seniors this season.
Three seniors - Ashton Glass, Gabi McGinty and Grace Woodland - were in the batting order during last week's Jamboree game against Fatima at 63 Diamonds.
There were also two freshmen - Megan Green and Abi Karr - in the lineup, while freshman Olivia Wallace played right field.
"They've basically had two and a half weeks to prove themselves," second-year coach Zac Miller said. "They are very coachable and they work hard, so I think they deserve that opportunity to be out there."
Karr played left field with senior Ashton Glass in center field.
"I think we've got a really strong outfield," Miller said. "Our outfield is very fast."
The speed came in handy against Fatima when Glass chased down a fly ball in time to relay it to home plate for an out.
Some of that speed will be useful on the basepaths as well.
"We've got some kids that got some speed, but part of it is being able to read the ball and getting a good jump," Miller said.
Miller said the the infield is a strength for the team. It will be mostly juniors and seniors taking those spots.
Behind the plate will be McGinty, who transitions to catcher after playing third base last season.
Throwing to McGinty will be sophomore Mychael Jett. Miller said Jett is fortunate to have an experienced player to work with.
"It's nice to have her back there for that leadership and be that wall back there," he said.
Jett pitched all four innings in the 5-1 Jamboree win against Fatima.
"She's going to do a good job for us this year," Miller said. "Her job is to work contact pitching. She's going to throw strikes for us and try not to give away any free passes and hopefully our defense will play good to keep us in ball games."
The Lady Jays didn't commit any errors against Fatima. The offense had six hits and drew four walks to score the five runs.
Hannah Clardy, batting cleanup, went 2-for-3 with three RBI, including a two-run double.
Miller said consistency at the plate is an area the team needs to work on.
"That'll be a work in progress all season long," he said. "The younger kids are still learning plays and strategy and stuff like that, but as they get used to us and what our philosophy is they'll fall right in order and they'll do a good job."
The Lady Jays open the season at 5:30 p.m. today against Lebanon at 63 Diamonds. They've won two straight district championships, but Miller said the goal is to improve as the season goes on.
"We want to get better everyday," he said. "We're not going to put a limit on how many wins we want or anything like that, we just want to keep getting better everyday."