This year’s Vikings softball team is a fiercely driven team of 19.

“It’s the most overall athletic team I’ve ever had… and competition for positions is the highest I’ve ever seen,” said head coach Scott Harris, now in his seventh season coaching. “We’ve got some very fast and strong girls, and they’re really starting to hit the ball well.”

Last year the girls were league champions, just missing a trophy at state champs with a 5th/6th place finish.

“We have some great [returning] senior leadership that is really strong, committed, and excited about the season: Adria Garcia, Brooke Bruland, Emily Bodenhamer, Lindsay Anderson and Mikaela Forster,” said Harris. “That helps us get the ship going early.”

The team’s “go-to” pitcher Adria, a fourth-year starting player, is arguably the top pitcher in the league. Her sister Aliviah, Jenna Tully and Mikal Keyes are also available to take the mound.

First team, all-state 2010 catcher Lindsay Anderson is unfortunately still recovering from a knee injury last season, and will be playing center field instead. Vying for the open catcher position are Lana Bronn and Lizzy Tully. Bodenhamer will play shortstop, in sync with her cousin, freshman Bella Nigretto on second base.

“Our goals are always lofty,” he said. We really believe that if we work hard every day and come together as a team, that the end of the season will take care of itself.”