A good group playing team ball should be the key as the WestLincoln Bears kick off their slowpitch softball seasonAugust.

The Lady Bears will have five seniors providing leadership withHaley Ainsworth, Katie Mullins, Karli Herrington, Jessica Franklinand Alexis Cook.

“I have a good core group returning that really plays togetherwell,” said West Lincoln head coach Andrew Redd. “They get alongwith others very good.”

Redd, 42, will be starting his thirteenth season at the helm. TheLady Bears looks to improve on an 19-11 record last year and a 2-2record in district play. West Lincoln won the South StateChampionship last year and was runners-up in the State 1AFinals.

The Lady Bears has six returning starters coming back to help inthe field: Ainsworth at first base, Mullins at third base,Herrington at leftfield, Franklin at pitcher, Cook at shortstop andMarisa Pruski at left-center field.

West Lincoln lost six starters to graduation last year. LeftfielderKeri Easley, second basemen Hannah Knouse, first basemen StephanieSmith, right fielder Taylor Crews, catcher Kayla Beth Rushing andleft-center fielder Ashley McCaffery.

“We will have seven of ten positions that will be new,” continuedRedd. “Most of the girls will have to play different positions fromlast year.”

Ainsworth was among the leaders with a .425 batting average in2009. Cook batted .407, Franklin .405 and Herrington .327.

West Lincoln assistant coaches are Lane Young and Greg Allen. Reddhas 26 players on his squad.

“We are looking forward to another good season,” added Redd.”Hopefully another chance at the State Championship.”

The Lady Bears first home game will be against the McComb Tigers,Aug. 17. The junior varsity game will precede the varsity game.