Lee Reiser acknowledges this softball season feels a little different than all the rest.
Now in his 21st season as Williams Valley's head coach, Reiser and his players spent two decades chasing the ultimate goal of a state championship. They were close a few times, but always came up short.
Last June, the Vikings finally reached that goal, hammering Neshannock 13-0 in six innings to capture the PIAA Class A crown.
Now, with nine returning starters, Williams Valley will try to go back-to-back.
"If that doesn't make you hungry, there's something wrong,'' Reiser said of the state championship run. "It was an incredible ride, one of the greatest things I ever experienced. How can you not want that again?
"We have a big target on our back,'' he added. "Everybody wants a piece of the state championship team. We've got to earn it again. It's not a given.''
Especially with Minersville and Schuylkill League champion Tri-Valley in its division and Nativity and Marian, among others, in its district.
Remember, only the District 11 champion advances to states. In many years, the District 11 runner-up is better than several of the clubs that make the 16-team state field.
In some ways, though, things never change.
"The bottom line comes down to you still have to beat Minersville and Tri-Valley,'' Reiser said. "If you get out of the district, you have a good chance of winning. If you don't, you go home.''
Another change is the graduation of four of the best softball players to ever play for local schools.
At the top of the list is two-time Republican-Herald All-Area Player of the Year and Class A State Player of the Year Juli Weber of Tri-Valley, an outfielder who is starting at the University of South Florida.
Pine Grove pitcher Ethel Santai (St. Francis, Pa.), Minersville outfielder Sarah Walasavage (West Chester) and Hamburg pitcher Tara Klee (UMass) have taken their talents to the college level as well.
Four teams will have different - if not necessarily new - head coaches this spring.
At Pine Grove, Alan Felty retired after a highly successful five-year run with the Cardinals. Assistant coach and pitching coordinator Ryan Leffler steps in as the new head coach.
Terry Ernst returns as the head coach at Blue Mountain. After some time off, he came back as an assistant for the past few years. Steph Allen will stay on staff as an assistant coach.
Clay Funk takes over for Scott Long at Lourdes, with Long moving into an assistant role.
Mahanoy Area has a similar situation as Joe Hullihan becomes head coach and Darren Kline stays on as an assistant.
Despite all that change, one other thing remains the same: The division races will be hotly contested and a lot of fun to watch. Let's get right to it:
DIVISION I
Graduation hit division champion Pine Grove - hard.
Gone are Santai (19-3, 0.45 ERA; .308 batting average), center fielder Samantha Bertasavage (.540, 32 runs), second baseman Amanda Kemmerling (.371, 17 RBIs) and first baseman Courtney Brown (.453, 21 RBIs). Santai was a three-time Republican-Herald All-Area Pitcher of the Year, while Bertasavage was an All-Area first-teamer. Kemmerling made the second team; Brown earned honorable mention.
Leffler takes over for Felty with major holes to fill, most notably in the circle. Juniors Morgan Wolfe and Brittanie Whitman and sophomore Mackenzie Lesh likely will see time pitching for the Cardinals.
"We're looking to rebuild and for the kids to step up into those roles to compete in the Division I race,'' Leffler said. "All the teams are going to be tough.
"All we're asking them to do is throw strikes,'' he added. "That gives us a chance. They're doing well. They've come a long way.''
All-Area first-teamer Jeena Sidleck, a senior shortstop, leads Pine Grove's returnees. Sidleck hit .500 with 33 runs scored last season. Junior catcher Hayley Wolff (.348, 26 RBIs) comes back as well.
Pine Grove's main challenger in recent seasons has been Pottsville, and the Crimson Tide are primed for a big season.
They return eight players with starting experience, led by Mount St. Mary's recruit Morgan Alisauckas. An All-Area first-team infielder, Alisauckas hit .424 last season with 23 runs scored.
She heads a senior class that also features Kyra Bulino (.388, 20 runs, 21 RBIs) at shortstop and Julie Bulino at first base.
Senior Caitlyn Herndon, a four-year starter, will play third base and pitch. Herndon hit .349 last season and went 4-4 with a 1.77 ERA.
The emergence of junior pitcher Sara Tobin made the Tide even stronger. She returns after going 11-3 with a 1.77 ERA a year ago.
Junior Mikki Garland is one of eight players competing for time in the outfield. Margot Shrift, Courtney Dusel and Madison Garland are vying to become the starting catcher.
"We really like our team,'' Pottsville coach Chuck Rinaldo said. "... They hit the weight room extremely hard in the offseason and have made a commitment to the program.
"Competition breeds success, and the competition has been fierce just to make the team. Practices have been extremely upbeat, and the kids are anxious to get outside on the field.''
If you're looking for a division dark horse, North Schuylkill would be a good choice. The Spartans return six starters from a team that reached the District 11 Class AA semifinals.
Senior outfielders Brianna Schlauch (.433) and Nadya Spotts return, with Schlauch perhaps seeing time behind the plate. Sophomore catcher/infielder Rachel Gricoski (.355) could be in the mix as well.
Junior pitcher Christie Hutira (.388; 12-10, 4.61 ERA) comes back with a year of experience under her belt. Junior first baseman Chase Stokes (.317) is also a returning starter.
Sophomore shortstop Tiffany Lapotsky (.500, 18 runs) solidifies the Spartans' defense up the middle and jump starts the team's offense at the top of the lineup.
Blue Mountain qualified for districts last season but lost a lot to graduation. Junior catcher Amanda Labe and senior pitcher Megan Tothero (.368) lead the Eagles.
On the other side of the coin, Tamaqua returns virtually everybody from a squad that came within one league win of earning a district berth.
Sophomore Bailey Pedersen and junior Shayna Dietrich return to lead the pitching staff. Junior Carly Sassaman is a veteran catcher and junior Brianna Wittig plays second base, third base and the outfield. In all, the Blue Raiders have 11 players with varsity experience.
"We played all freshmen and sophomores,'' Tamaqua coach Jillian Barron said. "We gained experience with those girls. We're still young and building, but potentially we could surprise and compete for a district spot. The potential is there if their confidence comes out.''
Panther Valley and Jim Thorpe continue in rebuilding modes. Sophomore infielder Hannah Hill (.301) is a Panther to watch.
Blue Mountain
Head coach: Terry Ernst (6th season overall, 1st since 2006)
Last year: 8-13, 6-6 D-I. District 11 Class AAA quarterfinalist
Returnees: Amber Dros (sr., of), Megan Tothero (sr., p-inf), Karissa Elser (jr., of), Amanda Labe (jr., c), Stephanie Harding (soph., of)
Newcomers: Tara Fegley (sr., of), Jessica Mattera (sr., inf), Gabby Hoynoski (jr., of), Lindsay LaScala (jr., 1b), Emily Steinhilber (jr., 3b), Catherine Washko (jr., p-of), Cassandra Argraves (soph., inf-of), Emily Becker (soph., of), Erika Gerace (soph., p-2b), Emily Renninger (fr., ss)
Outlook: With five returning starters, Eagles will have a lot of new faces in the lineup. How quickly they adapt to varsity level will determine whether Eagles contend for district playoff spot.
Jim Thorpe
Head coach: Bernice Bott (9th season)
Last year: 1-19, 1-11 D-I
Returnees: Kimberly Conway (sr., of), Bryanna Kehrli (sr., c-inf), Brittany Loftus (sr., of-inf), Casey Rodriguez (sr., of), Courtney Santos (sr., ss), Gianna Bucci (jr., of), Anna Fiducia (jr., 3b), Talia Valentini (jr., 2b-of), Hannah Mordaunt (soph., p-of), Ciara Miranda (soph., of-c)
Newcomers: Maggie Holloway (fr., p-1b), Joclyn Day (fr., p-2b), Jada Hoherchak (fr., p), Brittney Marzen (fr., c-1b), Jillian Kamieniecki (fr., of-c)
Outlook: Combining experienced senior class with five freshmen, Olympians look to improve this season. Team needs to pitch better and score more runs to put a few more wins on the board.
North Schuylkill
Head coach: Dominick Grasso (7th season, 11th overall)
Last year: 12-10, 8-4 D-I. District 11 Class AA semifinalist
Returnees: Brianna Schlauch (sr., of-c), Nadya Spotts (sr., of-inf), Zierra Treshock (sr., of), Christie Hutira (jr., p), Eliza Schally (jr., inf-of), Chase Stokes (jr., inf), Kelly Damiter (soph., of-inf), Rachel Gricoski (soph., inf-c), Tiffany Lapotsky (soph., inf-of)
Newcomers: Alex Morgan (jr., c-inf), Raquel Amoto (soph., inf), Rachel Bell (soph., inf-of), Abby Peleschak (soph., c), Shaylee Miller (fr., p-inf)
Outlook: With six returning starters, including pitcher Hutira and offensive spark Lapotsky, Spartans could be improved this season. Still fairly young, club has experience to be a factor in division and qualify for districts.
Panther Valley
Head coach: Jim Hull (3rd season)
Last year: 2-18, 1-11 D-I
Returnees: Jessica Bauder (sr., 3b-ss), Samantha Snyder (sr., 2b), Alexandra Rodriguez (jr., c), Hannah Hill (soph., inf)
Newcomers: Cassidy Ryan (soph., inf), Brianna Picht (soph., of), Kylie Cetena (sr.), Desriee McGarrity (sr.), Cara Hoffman (jr.), Cassie Binder (soph.), Mary Lazar (soph.), Sabrina Goodroe (fr.), Dana Greenall (fr.), McKenzie Lazar (fr.), Daniela Maturana (fr.), Kiana Mertz (fr.), Samantha Valderrama (fr.), Grace Weng (fr.)
Outlook: Young team in a rebuilding mode, Panthers will look to improve as season moves along. Addition of former Tamaqua star Jen Bensinger to coaching staff will help pitchers develop.
Pine Grove
Head coach: Ryan Leffler (1st season)
Last year: 19-3, 11-1 D-I. Division I champion, Schuylkill League runner-up, District 11 Class AA semifinalist
Returnees: Jeena Sidleck (sr., ss), Abbey Riegel (sr., 1b), Alyssa Hatter (jr., of), Brittanie Whitman (jr., 3b-p), Morgan Wolfe (jr., p), Hayley Wolff (jr., c-of), Emily Brown (soph., of), Hunter Madison (soph., 2b-of), Jess Todero (soph., of), McKenzee Warner (soph., c-of)
Newcomers: Mackenzie Lesh (soph., of-p), Veronica Schadle (soph., of), Hunter Flick (fr., of-3b), Mackenzie Hasenauer (fr., 1b-of), Jennifer Kaufman (fr., 2b-of), Mickayla Stump (fr., of)
Outlook: Losses were heavy - graduation of four senior starters and retirement of coach Alan Felty. Leffler, though, has been with the program and has four returning starters. Others will have to step up in the circle and at the plate to make Cardinals competitive.
Pottsville
Head coach: Chuck Rinaldo (8th season)
Last year: 16-7, 10-2 D-I. Schuylkill League semifinalist, District 11 Class AAAA quarterfinalist
Returnees: Morgan Alisauckas (sr., inf-c), Gabby Bentz (sr., of), Julie Bulino (sr., inf), Kyra Bulino (sr., inf), Caitlyn Herndon (sr., p-inf), Jolyn Rodrian (sr., inf-of), Margot Shrift (sr., c-inf), Sara Tobin (jr., p-inf), Michaela Garland (jr., of-inf), Elise Horvath (jr., inf), Rachel Setlock (jr., of)
Newcomers: Angela Wilson (sr., of), Kendra Boris (jr., of-inf), Rachel Coyle (jr., p-inf-of), Katie Deegan (jr., of), Courtney Dusel (jr., c), Danyelle Mates (jr., of), Madison Garland (fr., c-inf-of),
Outlook: Experienced and deep, Pottsville enters the season as the Division I frontrunner. Eight returning starters, including two pitchers and a Division I player in Alisauckas, give the Tide reason for optimism. Could be even better than last season.
Tamaqua
Head coach: Jillian Barron (4th season)
Last year: 6-14, 5-7 D-I
Returnees: Alexis Boyer (sr., 3b-util), Alyssa Gerhard (sr., of), Bailey Hartung (jr., of), Brianna Wittig (jr., 2b-3b-of), Carly Sassaman (jr., c), Shayna Dietrich (jr., p-2b), Bailey Pedersen (soph., p), Hannah Perla (soph., of), Lynn Kistler (soph., ss), Madison Davis (soph., c-inf), Taylor Fritz (soph., 1b)
Newcomers: Elizabeth Lehman (sr., inf), Nicole Puckalavage (sr., of), Emily Wenzel (soph., of), Kayla Miller (soph., p-inf), Abigail Brickler (fr., inf), Cailyn Joseph (fr., p-inf)
Outlook: A young team that got more competitive in division last season, Blue Raiders hope to take another step forward this spring. Will need to generate more offense and catch the ball better to reach goal of district playoff berth.
DIVISION II
Here's what you need to know: Williams Valley, first in the state, third in Schuylkill League Division II.
Tri-Valley and Minersville needed a tiebreaker game to decide the division, the Dawgs winning 1-0 on Weber's solo home run with two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning. Tri-Valley continued that momentum to win its second Schuylkill League championship in five seasons.
Williams Valley owned the rest of the postseason, winning seven straight playoff games to capture the first state championship in school history.
And everybody's back. Two juniors, five sophomores and two freshmen started in the state championship game.
Start with seniors Cassidy Pinchorski (P-SS) and Kylie Doyle (3B), a pair of All-Area first-teamers.
Pinchorski hit .422 with four home runs and 28 RBIs. More importantly, she developed into a dominant pitcher, going 14-4 with a 0.98 ERA and 131 strikeouts in 114 innings. Pinchorski allowed just four earned runs in seven playoff games, including a three-hit shutout in the state final.
Doyle batted .437 with 32 RBIs and went 8-0 in the circle. She'll concentrate on the hot corner as sophomore Tianna Yanoscak will be the team's No. 2 pitcher.
Junior Hannah Nestor is a tremendous middle infielder and All-Area first-teamer who batted .473 with 40 runs and 26 RBIs last season. Other junior returnees include first baseman Haley Nestor, catcher Maura Kreiser, right fielder Kyrsten Miller and left fielder Bindy Boyer (.311).
Sophomore second baseman Kate Whelski and All-Area Co-Rookie of the Year Rayanne Hawk also return. Hawk hit .413 with 27 runs, 27 RBIs and saved the game with a spectacular catch in center field and throw to turn a double play in the District 11 semifinal victory over Minersville.
"We have so much back, the practices are so crisp, so smooth,'' Reiser said. "It's not going to be easy. ... We still have to beat those teams.''
The coach cautions his team: "Don't get so full of yourself.
"They're really hungry. ... The competitiveness is incredible. It's a great thing to have.''
Beyond the returning starters, the Vikings have a group of young players pushing for playing time. The lineup in May could be different than the one that started the season in March.
"Everybody will be given a fair chance,'' Reiser said. "Halfway through the season I'm going to make a decision on how the lineup is going to go.
"The younger kids are really pushing,'' he added. "We have 13 kids who could start any game.''
Likewise, Minersville returns nine players with starting experience and adds an outstanding freshman class that will push for immediate playing time.
Senior shortstop Reighly Melochick (.515, 29 runs), senior catcher Morgen Woodford (.381) and senior first baseman Leah Leshko (.394) have been starting since the state championship season of 2011. Melochick is a perennial All-Area first-teamer who surpassed 2,000 career points during the basketball season.
Senior outfielder Alyse Ryan (.390), junior designated player Lindsey Snyder (.305) and junior outfielder Jayme Kerrigan are other position players who return.
Another is sophomore second baseman Rachel Sterner, Co-Rookie of the Year with Williams Valley's Hawk. Sterner batted .438 with 27 runs and 24 stolen bases last season.
Senior Riley Gerenda (8-4, 1.75 ERA, 112 strikeouts, 72 innings) and junior Grace Lescavage (8-2, 0.43 ERA, 114 strikeouts, 64.2 innings) will handle the pitching.
"We have a veteran team that should be very competitive,'' Minersville coach Dave Homa said. "We're going to have a very deep team with the influx of the freshman class.''
The main graduation loss was Walasavage, who hit .642 with 32 runs, six home runs, 34 RBIs and 24 stolen bases.
Minersville didn't hit all that well against good pitching last season, and the Miners will need to be much more consistent at the plate to challenge Williams Valley and Tri-Valley.
"We'll be competitive with everyone and very competitive within our own team,'' Homa said. "It depends on how fast we progress.
"We'll go as far as our pitching and defense take us,'' he added. "And we'll have good pitching and good defense.
"The goal as always - win our last game.''
When you graduate arguably the best player in Schuylkill League history (Weber) and one of the best senior classes in school history (Taylor Troutman, Chelesa Stutzman), Tri-Valley might be expected to have a rebuilding season.
Not so fast. Underestimate the Dawgs at your peril.
They return All-Area first-team pitcher Katie Rabuck (15-5, 1.41 ERA; .314 batting average), first baseman Haley Schwalm and outfielder Jade Troutman in the senior class and juniors Taryn Wilson (3B-P, .314 average; 4-1 in the circle), Jordyn Ebersole (2B), Taylor Header (CF) and Megan Boyer (C-OF).
"The girls are working hard trying to establish a name for themselves,'' Tri-Valley coach Marty Shade said. "It's a different type of team than we've had the last five or six years. We can't rely on the long ball anymore. We have more line-drive singles hitters and some speed.
"We have a long way to go, but we show some signs of promise.''
The big questions for Tri-Valley are who will hit and how will it put runs on the board.
Over the past four years, the Dawgs could wait for Weber to do something special. Weber batted .671 with 37 runs, 30 stolen bases and 27 RBIs last season. Troutman, who started in left field, hit .410 with 21 RBIs, while Stutzman, the shortstop, batted .333 and finished with 105 career hits.
"It's tough when you lose the most successful girls' class ever at the high school,'' Shade said. "It's a far different team, a different challenge. We lost one of the best players ever to play in the league, and she's doing well in college.
"We have to focus on our team,'' he added. "The (returning girls) played, but sat back and watched. Now it's their turn to step forward and make a name for themselves. We want to look forward. This is their team. It's time to see what they can do.''
Trying to keep pace with the Big Three are Schuylkill Haven and Lourdes.
The Hurricanes have six returning starters on a club looking to contend for a district playoff berth.
Junior Emma Schweigert, a catcher and center fielder, has already given a verbal commitment to play her college softball at La Salle University. Schweigert, who hit .490 with 22 runs scored, was an All-Area first-team selection last season.
"We have a nice mix of returning players with newcomers,'' Schuylkill Haven coach Tim Schweigert said. "We have very aggressive young players. We should have a very competitive team, and we are looking to improve on last year's record.''
Lourdes has just 11 players on its roster, and four new starters will be sophomores or freshmen with no varsity experience.
Slugger and pitcher CharLee Rosini has graduated, creating a big hole in the circle. Rosini hit .427 with 34 RBIs last season and went 12-5 with a 2.20 ERA.
Senior shortstop and four-year starter Peyton Klembara (.403, 34 runs) steps in as the No. 1 pitcher. Junior catcher Caity Funk (.368, 23 RBIs) returns for her third year in the starting lineup.
Lourdes
Head coach: Clay Funk (1st season)
Last year: 14-7, 7-6 D-II. District 4 Class AA quarterfinalist
Returnees: Peyton Klembara (sr., p-ss), Jayme Lentini (sr., inf-cf), Gabby Long (sr., 2b-3b), Angelique Pennypacker (sr., 1b-of), Caity Funk (jr., c)
Newcomers: Karley Spangler (soph., ss-lf), Miranda Moser (soph., inf-of), JoAnna Davidson (soph., 1b-of), Olivia Giles (fr., p-2b-of), Elizabeth Alexander (fr., inf-of), Olivia Dobson (fr., of)
Outlook: Red Raiders return five starters, but graduation losses - primarily ace pitcher CharLee Rosini - will be difficult to replace. Inexperience and lack of depth are concerns.
Minersville
Head coach: Dave Homa (13th season)
Last year: 16-6, 11-2 D-II. District 11 Class A semifinalist
Returnees: Riley Gerenda (sr., p), Leah Leshko (sr., inf), Alyse Ryan (sr., of), Becky Schweikert (sr., of), Morgen Woodford (sr., c), Reighly Melochick (sr., inf), Jayme Kerrigan (jr., inf-of), Grace Lescavage (jr., p), Lindsey Snyder (jr., dp), Rachel Sterner (soph., inf)
Newcomers: Morgan Nawrocki (sr., of), Dominika Rutecki (jr., of), Brianna Smulley (jr., of), Meg Schwalm (soph., inf), Maura Bentz (fr., inf-of-p), Mallory Ebert (fr., inf-of-p), Rachel Hughes (fr., of), Adrienne Kroznuskie (fr., of-p), Maddyson Melochick (fr., inf-of), Sarah Nawrocki (fr., of), Allison Polinsky (fr., c-of), Emily Mealey (fr., inf), Abby Schoffstall (fr., ss)
Outlook: Large senior class and arrival of powerhouse freshman group give Minersville one of most talented rosters in the league. Nine starters return, and competition within roster will make players better. Division, league and district title contender.
Schuylkill Haven
Head coach: Tim Schweigert (8th season, 11th overall)
Last year: 5-15, 1-12 D-II
Returnees: Abigail Conage (sr., 1b), Johannah Bilansky (sr., p), Katherine Shaud (sr., 3b), Alexis Owens (sr., of), Erica Park (sr., 2b-3b), Emma Schweigert (jr., c-of-ss), Morgan Wagner (jr., ss-2b), Elizabeth Bayliff (jr., p-of-2b), Cheyanne Reichert (jr., injured)
Newcomers: Megan Ditzler (soph., c-of), Haleigh George (soph., of), Kassidy Svenson (fr., 2b-p-of), Sarah Personette (fr., of-c-1b), Alyssa Gerber (fr., of-ss), Madison Felty (fr., dp-1b-of), Sarah Donati (fr., 3b-of), Lily Leymeister (fr., p-1b-of), Kylie Atkinson (fr., 2b), Cierra Reichert (fr., 2b-of), Kristina Lyons (fr., of)
Outlook: With six returning starters and some promising freshmen, Hurricanes look to improve this season and challenge for a district playoff berth.
Tri-Valley
Head coach: Marty Shade (23rd season)
Last year: 19-6, 11-2 D-II. Division II champion, Schuylkill League champion, District 11 Class A runner-up
Returnees: Katie Rabuck (sr., p), Haley Schwalm (sr., 1b), Jade Troutman (sr., of), Jordyn Ebersole (jr., 2b), Taylor Header (jr., of), Megan Boyer (jr., c-of), Taryn Wilson (jr., p-3b), Katie Dietrich (jr., of), Catt Troutman (soph., c)
Newcomers: Brittany Geist (jr., ss), Jada Unruh (jr., 2b), Dinaea Otto (jr., 1b), Courtney Schweikert (jr., of), Kathryn Sherry (soph., 2b), Wendy Header (fr., ss), Maddie Horn (fr., of-c)
Outlook: Graduation of all-time great Juli Weber and other members of outstanding senior class will be impossible to replace. Dawgs, though, return their top two pitchers among eight players with starting experience. Those players must step forward to become leaders and run-producers for club to be competitive.
Williams Valley
Head coach: Lee Reiser (21st season)
Last year: 23-4, 10-3 D-II. District 11 Class A champion, PIAA Class A champion
Returnees: Kylie Doyle (sr., 3b), Cassidy Pinchorski (sr., p-ss), Hannah Nestor (jr., ss-2b), Haley Nestor (jr., 1b), Maura Kreiser (jr., c-of), Kyrsten Miller (jr., of), Bindy Boyer (jr., of), Rayanne Hawk (soph., of), Kate Whelski (soph., 2b-3b), Tianna Yanoscak (soph., p-of), Megan Schadle (soph., c-of), Alyssa Schadle (soph., inf-of)
Newcomers: Caitlyn Pinchorski (fr., p-inf-of)
Outlook: Bright. Defending state champions return entire starting lineup and add talented newcomers to provide depth and competition. Division, league, district and state title contender.
DIVISION III
Last season, the division race came down to the final day, when Mahanoy Area knocked off eventual Schuylkill League champion Tri-Valley 2-1 on a rainy afternoon. That gave the Golden Bears the division and league playoff berth, one game ahead of Nativity and two over Marian.
Expect a similar race this spring.
The Golden Bears return six starters, though they graduated three key components of the championship team. Pitcher Ashley Hullihan (13-6, 2.16 ERA; .354 batting average) will be difficult to replace.
Sophomore Emily Bruce and junior Kelly Walinchus will handle the pitching for the Bears. Senior first baseman Marcella Scheeler (.333) and senior catcher Shaina Leshko will look to build on the momentum from last season's success.
Eager to knock Mahanoy Area off the top spot are Nativity and Marian.
The Golden Girls finished strong last season by reaching the District 11 Class A semifinals.
They return six starters, including senior outfielder Steph Killian (.333), senior first baseman Erin Luckenbill (.413, 23 RBIs), senior third baseman Cassidy Nush, junior second baseman Lauren Palko (.400, 21 runs), sophomore pitcher Jocelyn Holobetz (12-7, 3.27 ERA; .328 batting average) and sophomore shortstop Rachael Souchak (.362).
Five other girls saw varsity action a year ago. Junior Ryleigh Walaconis and sophomore Allison Warren are listed as the catchers vying to replace the graduated Megan Parobek (.444).
Marian returns eight starters from a playoff team that lost 2-0 in the District 11 Class A quarterfinals to eventual state champion Williams Valley.
Junior Bethany Shaud (11-9, 2.60 ERA) returns in the circle, with senior Lindsay Nemeth (.313) moving behind the plate from second base.
Senior third baseman Gabby Cann, senior outfielder Ashton Galasso, junior shortstop Bryianna Pearson, junior outfielder Alex Stroia (.317), sophomore second baseman Kaitlin Kowker and sophomore first baseman Abby Stankiewitch also return.
The Fillies will need somebody to spark the offense at the top of the order like center fielder Sam Faust (.457) did last season.
"We hope to be a year older but be a year better as well,'' Marian coach Joe DeAngelo said. "We have good players returning, but as always there are formidable challenges to be met.
"So far, things are going real well,'' he added. "The cohesiveness seems to be there.''
Shenandoah Valley and Weatherly are in rebuilding modes.
Senior catcher Kristen Florio and senior pitcher Caitlyn Harrington will lead the Blue Devils.
The Wreckers return a pair of junior pitchers in Jess Polchin (8-5) and Kelly Parker (1-6) as well as junior catcher Jessica Maiello (.317). Weatherly, though, hit just .222 as a team last season.
Mahanoy Area
Head coach: Joe Hullihan (1st season)
Last year: 14-7, 8-5 D-III. Division III champion, Schuylkill League semifinalist, District 11 Class A quarterfinalist
Returnees: Shaina Leshko (sr., c), Marcella Scheeler (sr., 1b), Erin Davidson (jr., 3b), Kelly Walinchus (jr., ss-p), Tamara Tunstall (jr., of), Emily Bruce (soph., p-of), Desriee Malacusky (soph., of)
Newcomers: Jamie Rago (jr., 2b), Kayla Brinich (jr., of-inf), Alyson Tacury (jr., of-inf), Nicole Wilner (jr., of-inf), Lauren Gober (soph., of), Stevie Wilner (soph., of), Laura Bisco (soph., of), Madison Ansbach (soph., of)
Outlook: Lost leaders of last season's division title team, including pitcher Ashley Hullihan, to graduation. Six starters return, so if Bears get solid pitching, they could be competitive in the division.
Marian
Head coach: Joe DeAngelo (5th season)
Last year: 12-9, 6-7 D-III. District 11 Class A quarterfinalist
Returnees: Lindsay Nemeth (sr., c), Gabby Cann (sr., 3b), Ashton Galsasso (sr., of), Bethany Shaud (jr., p), Bryianna Pearson (jr., ss), Alex Stroia (jr., of), Kaitlin Kowker (soph., 2b), Abby Stankiewitch (soph., 1b)
Newcomer: Mackenzie Joy (fr., c-of)
Outlook: Fillies return eight starters from district qualifying team, and that experience should enable team to be better than last year. Division III contender.
Nativity
Head coach: Tom Kaledas (6th season)
Last year: 13-7, 7-6 D-III. District 11 Class A semifinalist
Returnees: Stephanie Killian (sr., of), Erin Luckenbill (sr., 1b), Cassidy Nush (sr., 3b), Rachel Wood (sr., of), Kristin Goodman (sr., of), Alexia Bonacci (sr., 1b), Lauren Palko (jr., 2b-of), Ryleigh Walaconis (jr., c-inf), Rachael Souchak (soph., ss), Jocelyn Holobetz (soph., p), Allison Warren (soph., c-inf), Ashley Strausser (soph., inf), Rebecca McCloskey (soph., of)
Newcomers: Aleah Wilson (soph., inf), Allegra Miske (fr., inf), Desriee Riegel (fr., inf), Noelle Steele (fr., of)
Outlook: With six returning starters, Golden Girls have the makings of a solid club. Need to generate more offense against top teams. Division III contender.
Shenandoah Valley
Head coach: Stacy Krupiewski (2nd season)
Last year: 5-15, 2-11 D-III
Returnees: Kristen Florio (sr., c), Caitlyn Harrington (sr., p), Jaquie Burke (jr., 3b-of), Jennell Johns (jr., 1b), Marissa Szczyglak (soph., 2b-of)
Newcomers: Estephanny Hierro (jr., of-3b), Alexus Grady (jr., of-dp), Lily Petrushonis (soph., c-of), Katy Petrushonis (fr., p-of), Skye Parker (fr., of-c), Arianna Mentusky (fr., ss-of), Kayla Moncreif (fr., of-2b)
Outlook: Young team (2 seniors) will need newcomers to contribute to become more competitive in division.
Weatherly
Head coach: Margaret Brown (36th season)
Last year: 9-11, 2-11 D-III
Returnees: Dominique Adamczyk (sr., of), Angela Brill (sr., of), Kelly Parker (jr., p), Jess Polchin (jr., p-ss), Jessica Maiello (jr., c)
Newcomers: Tea Heiser (jr., 2b), Jenna Bartel (soph., of), Jasmine Rivera (soph., 1b)
Outlook: Though hit hard by graduation, Wreckers return their top two pitchers. They'll need to do more at the plate to be competitive in the division.
TRI-VALLEY LEAGUE
Upper Dauphin starts with pitching, and that means senior Amber Bingaman (8-5, 1.84 ERA) and junior Taylor Brown (3-5, 2.80 ERA). Though both girls are coming off solid seasons, they'll have to reach a higher level for the Trojans to attain their goals of league and district championships.
So will the other returning starters - senior second baseman Kate Boyer, junior first baseman Colleen Kolva and sophomore catcher Autumn Walker.
Bingaman (.491, 7 HRs, 23 RBIs) and Brown (.338) lead the offense, which will need to produce more against good pitching.
Last season, Upper Dauphin was the definition of an up-and-down team. The good: The Trojans won the league title at 10-4, one game ahead of Newport and Millersburg.
"I think the league will be very competitive again,'' coach Chad Everhart said. "Millersburg, Halifax and Juniata will be very tough opponents.''
The bad: They fell to Greenwood 4-3 in the District 3 Class A semifinals. Greenwood finished 5-9 in the league last season, including losses of 11-1 and 10-2 to Upper Dauphin. Greenwood went on to win the District 3 championship and qualify for the state tournament.
"We have a good core of returning players mixed in with some promising newcomers,'' Everhart said. "Overall we will be a young team, but we have a lot of talent. Pitching will be the strength of the team as we are very deep at that position.
"Our goals are to win the Tri-Valley League, win districts and make a run in states.''
Upper Dauphin
Head coach: Chad Everhart (4th season)
Last year: 11-10, 10-4 TVL. Tri-Valley League champion, District 3 Class A semifinalist
Returnees: Amber Bingaman (sr., p-of-ss), Kate Boyer (sr., 2b), Taylor Brown (jr., p-ss), Colleen Kolva (jr., 1b), Kaytee Mattern (jr., p-1b), Autumn Walker (soph., c)
Newcomers: Kayleigh Kerstetter (sr., c-of), Nicole Campbell (jr., 1b-dp), Terry Shoop (jr., of), Kaylan Bohner (jr., ss-2b), Diana Quiroz (soph., ss-of), Alexis Bowser (soph., 3b), Grace Klinger (soph., c-1b-of), Madison Miller (soph., of), Riley Mahoney (soph., c), Mikayla Grow (fr., 2b-of), Megan Crosby (fr., 3b), Kendra Schlegel (fr., of)
Outlook: Trojans are a young team (3 seniors) but return five starters, led by two quality pitchers in Bingaman and Brown. Goals as always are to win league and contend for district championship. UDA has the talent to make a run at both goals.
BERKS LEAGUE
The graduation of Klee marked the end of an era for the Hawks. Klee batted .508 last season and .368 in her career. In the circle, the right-hander compiled a career mark of 46-27 with a 1.14 ERA and 854 strikeouts in 499 innings.
Instead of waiting for Klee to dominate an opponent, other girls will have to assume those leadership and production roles.
Sophomore Paige Lesher (3-3, 4.14 ERA) takes over in the circle, with senior shortstop Ashtyn Epting (.333) and senior first baseman Courtney Graham (.309) leading the way.
Overall, the Hawks return six starters and add freshman Erica Lutz to the mix. Sophomore Rebecca Blatt will move from catcher to third base, while sophomore Miranda Shollenberger will switch from center fielder to catcher.
"Paige Lesher will take the mound,'' Hamburg coach Buddy Zimmerman said. "She served as Klee's backup last year when Klee went down (with an injury) for two weeks.
"The team is young, filled with freshmen and sophomores making up a bulk of the lineup,'' he added. "Can we hit? That will be the question and the answer to a successful season.''
Hamburg
Head coach: Buddy Zimmerman (13th season)
Last year: 10-12, 6-4 Berks II. Berks League quarterfinalist, District 3 Class AAA round of 16
Returnees: Ashtyn Epting (sr., ss), Courtney Graham (sr., 1b), Sydney Oberholtzer (sr., 2b-ss), Anna Sattazahn (sr., of), Darlene Ruiz (jr., of), Rebecca Blatt (soph., 3b), Paige Lesher (soph., p), Miranda Shollenberger (soph., c), Alex Strausser (soph., 3b)
Newcomers: Kayla Stambaugh (jr., 2b), Emma Clark (soph., of), Melanie Epting (fr., ss), Erica Lutz (fr., p-rf), Brandi Seidel (fr., 2b-of), Amber Shuey (fr., of), Sarah Vertucci (fr., 2b)
Outlook: Graduation of Tara Klee takes team's top pitcher and hitter out of lineup. With six starters back, though, Hawks should be competitive. How quickly newcomers contribute will determine how strong Hawks get.