With only five returning players from last years’ 8-14 season, Tecumseh coach Judy Williams will be counting on several new players to add to the experience this season, as the softball season gets underway.

“This is an athletic group of kids, so we hope to surprise some people this year,” Williams said, as seven of the eleven kids on the squad are freshman or sophomores. “We will make mistakes, but the kids will learn from them and play hard.”

The lone senior of the squad is outfielder Hayley Studebaker, who Williams said is expected to provide good leadership for the team this year, and keep the team together.

A pair of returning juniors is also being counted on to produce this year for the Lady Arrows. Jill Steinbrunner, who is an outfielder with good speed to be the team’s leadoff hitter, joins third baseman Cari Campbell as experienced juniors for Tecumseh.

Junior Cassie Cantrell is a pitcher in her first year of varsity, who will likely see some time on the mound this year for the Lady Arrows.

Half of the four sophomores on the team are also experienced from last year. Behind the plate will be Allie Collins, while doing the majority of the pitching will be Erin Sims.

“She’s our number one starter,” Williams said. “She has a good year of experience, and I look for her to show improvement over last year also.”

A pair of sophomores will make their varsity debut this year, including utility player Alex Grueser, and shortstop Barbara Russell.

Three freshman round out the roster for the Lady Arrows, including first baseman Megan Christmann, utility player Taylor Jones, and pitcher/infielder Miranda Roberts.

“We hope to be solid this year, and play hard with a good attitude this year,” WIliams said. “The older kids will have the experience to work hard together, and I do like what we have going this year.”

“These kids are not afraid to get up there and swing the bat,” she added. “I explained to the young kids that the hits will come.”

Another aspect of the game Williams is working hard with is the defense.

“We have a lot of athletes out there, who can play at different positions,” she said.

As for the Central Buckeye Conference, Williams targeted Tipp City and Shawnee as two teams expected to complete for a league title.

Tecumseh travels to West Carrollton on Thursday and Sidney on Friday, before getting into the conference games next week. They play at Tipp City next Monday (April 5), before returning home the next day for a 5 p.m. game against the Lady Red Devils.