The Lady Bearcat softball team is looking for a season like no other.

Last year the team graduated three seniors, but every other player has returned.

“All the returning players should be successful this year,” Head Coach Kenny Cravens said. “We have several freshmen that should compete and make us better and deeper.”

According to Cravens, pitching and hitting is critical to the team’s success, saying they “set the barometer for success in a season.”

The Bearcats have been practicing five different pitchers in the pre-season, which they are hopeful will allow for more depth during games.

One returning pitcher is junior Emma Moore. Moore was the starting pitcher last season as well as the second pitcher her freshman year. Her sophomore year, Moore was selected to the All-League First-Team.

The team hopes to come alive with their bats this season. Last year, the Bearcats dominated on defense, but they are hoping to do the same when batting.

The team includes two seniors, Greta Klein and Ryan Tenbrink.

“I plan on leading my teammates by staying positive and holding others accountable during practices and games,” Klein said. “I think if we stay together and work hard, we can meet our goal of going to state. Off the field, I want to make sure my teammates are focusing on their academics, because that’s what’s most important.”

The team’s seniors have experienced three years as underclassmen and look forward to stepping into the leadership role for their senior season.

“I want to make sure (my teammates) are always working hard and trying their best and always being confident in themselves,” Tenbrink said.

After losing to Kingman in the first round of regionals last year, the team felt like something was unsettled. Their goal is to do big things this season.

“The motivation from last year is to compete for a league title and make a deep post-season run,” Cravens said. “We have a tough regular season schedule that should help prepare us for post-season … I’m excited for the season and look forward to all the girls getting better, having fun and being successful.”

Klein and Tenbrink said they have goals for the season as well.

“I’m looking forward to spending time with my teammates and making one more year of memories with them,” Klein said.

“I’m excited for the team we have built over the years and getting to play together,” Tenbrink said. “Hopefully, we’ll be on to the state tournament.”

The girls will lead off their season March 28 at home against the Ellis Railroaders at 4 p.m.

“All the returning players should be successful this year. We have several freshmen that should compete and make us better and deeper.”

Kenny Cravens Softball Head Coach