WESSON — The return of two veteran pitchers, several stronghitters and a promising crop of freshmen make Co-Lin women’ssoftball coach Allen Kent optimistic about the 2004 campaign. Hispitchers, a key to success in fastpitch, are Katie Rouch ofAlexandria, La. and Ashley Davis of Monticello.

Rouch (8-3) and Davis (7-1) combined for 15 wins in Co-Lin’s22-10 campaign of 2003. Pitcher Katie Fallin (7-6) graduated.

The Lady Wolves make their debut today, hosting East Central fora 1 p.m. doubleheader. This is Kent’s second year at the helm.

“We have had knee problems, arm injuries and ankle injuries,”said Kent. “We’ve been limited in practice in what we can do.”

Offensively, catcher Elise Dixon (.369) of Liberty returns thehighest batting average for Co-Lin. Second baseman Ginny Dunaway(.365) of Brookhaven, first baseman Holli Bass (.310) of Brookhavenand Rouch (.348) also batted above .300 last season. Rouch earnedall-state honors last season.

Davis is recovering from a fractured ankle sustained lastNovember. “Ashley is close to 100 percent,” said Kent.

Kent said his pitchers average 57 miles per hour. Rouch has beenhaving some shoulder problems but Kent hopes she will continue toimprove.

Rachel Breaux is a transfer from MUW and will play center field.Breaux already has signed with Henderson State (Ark.) Universityfor her junior year.

The Lady Wolves were runners-up to Gulf Coast in the division.Gulf Coast went on to win the state tournament.

“Pearl River should be pretty strong this year,” said Kent. “Ourwhole division will be very competitive. “We are going to need somebig plays from our freshmen.”

Co-Lin’s games are doubleheaders and start at 1 p.m.