A year ago, Head Coach Jason Baune’s Becker softball team had two distinct parts to their season — a 0-6 start, followed by a 12-7 run that led to a loss in the Section title game.

This year, the Bulldogs hope to use their experience — 9 returning letter winners — to put together yet another run in the postseason.

“We return a lot of experience this year and expect to be competitive in both the conference and section,” Baune says, as he enters his 21st season in charge.  “I believe our 8 seniors will provide a lot of leadership, and that we have an exciting group of underclassmen that will have a chance to fill roles on the varsity team."

Having focus early in the season will be challenging, given the level of snow currently sitting on the team’s field.  But Baune is counting on some great indoor practices to propel his team.

“A heavy amount of indoor practice time will also test our team's focus each day in practice as we attempt to improve without the ability to be on the field,” Baune says.

As the girls gear up for the season, four captains will help lead the charge — Kurstyn Patnode, Maddie Sherman, Hannah Bartlett and Nevaeh Gardner.

Pitching depth could be a key to Becker’s season, and that is an area Baune feels confident about moving forward.

“A late start to our game schedule will likely cause doubleheaders and many weeks with 4 to 6 games,” Baune says.  “This definitely puts a priority on pitching and fortunately we have a strong core of pitchers which might give us an advantage over some other teams.”

With all of the unknowns entering the season, Baune is confident that a fast start can propel his team towards another successful season.

“I'm really looking forward to an exciting season once we can get outside and start playing games,” he says.  “Our conference and section will both be very competitive, but I'm confident that our team is up for the challenge.”