Lady eagles will kick off their softball season on February 1 with the annual alumni scrimmage and their district season will begin on March 19 with a game against Palestine.

After losing five seniors from last year, the team has had to make a few adjustments. There are no seniors playing softball this year, but there are six returning varsity players: juniors Bailey Jones, Belle Johnson, Margo Measles, Rebecca Dunlap, and sophomores Camii Wilson and Harli Hunt.

“It normally hurts a team not having any senior leadership,” head coach Kerry Hand said. “But I believe it will be a great opportunity for this year’s juniors to step into the leadership roles and excel!”

With plans to win district again, the team began practices last Friday, and their first real scrimmage will be on February 5.

“We’re off to a great start in our practices and we’re preparing for our upcoming games,” junior Rebecca Dunlap said. “I’m looking forward to another great season.”

Also playing softball are juniors Kayla Grecu, Kaylee Adams, Jada Clark, Lauren Hall, sophomores Savannah Ellis, Hayle Gomez, Alyssa Williams, and freshmen Emori Davis, Breunna Dowell, Chelsea Faughn, Maddie Higgs, Jaysa Smith, Jordan Maciel, Kendall Pfleeger, and Jarahle Daniels.

“This is my first year to play softball so I’m ready to learn all about it,” Clark said. “I think it will end up being fun for me and I’ll build good relationships with my teammates.”