Following the loss of seniors Anna Ostrom and Megan Anderson, the team will reload with the addition of freshmen Annie Lemos, Lauren Mirtoni, and Kailer Fulton, as well as sophomore Emily Wright.

The Tigers will look to improve on last years’ season, after the Tigers fell just short of the Division II section bracket, losing their play-in game against Vacaville 7-5.

This year, the Tigers have come out confidently with a record of 6-1 as of last Friday, their only loss going to last year’s section champions, the Sheldon Huskies. Senior second baseman Karli Dugger hopes to improve on last year’s performance, even though their roster has significantly changed.

“Our team goal for this year is to win league and hopefully get a section championship,” Dugger said. “We are a different team, having three freshman pitchers and two sophomore pitchers, who I think will all be great attributes to the team.”

Dugger also intends on improving her personal game following her great last season as well, which she thinks will be successful around the new team.

“I hope to improve my batting average this season, which should be very possible as we have great team chemistry this season already,” Dugger said.

Senior returning player Maddie Amos is also optimistic on their upcoming season, despite the loss of two contributing seniors from last season.

“Last year’s team had a lot of girls who had experience on varsity,” Amos said. “We lost our number-one pitcher Megan Anderson, but this year we have three freshmen who bring a lot to the table. Annie Lemos is doing an amazing job for her first year on varsity, and Lauren and Kailer are making contact very well.”

Third year head coach Art Banks agrees with Amos, and feels that the young players have adapted well and performed at a high level early.

“Coming into the year we knew that there was going to be a lot of turnover from last year, but I think the team has exceeded my expectations,” Banks said. “I think our older core players have done a good job making the underclassmen feel comfortable.”

Dugger is confident in the team for this upcoming season.

“One thing that makes our team unique is our balance on both ends of the field,” Dugger said. “Not only are we capable of putting up 10 runs, but we can shut the opponent out at the same time thanks to our reliable defense and prolific pitching. With these factors going for us, I think our team is easily capable of making playoffs and going far into our bracket.”