Team defense and youthfulness will be thekey as the West Lincoln Bears kick off their slowpitch softballseason Aug. 13.

    The Lady Bears will have two seniors, Marisa Pruski and BethMontgomery, to provide leadership and guidance.

    “We have several younger players that are eager to play,” said WestLincoln head coach Andrew Redd. “We are looking forward to havinganother great year.”

    Redd, 43, will be starting his 14th season at the helm. The LadyBears look to improve on an 10-18 record last year and a 0-2 recordin district play.

    The Lady Bears have six returning starters coming back to help inthe field: Pruski at shortstop, Montgomery at left-center field,Katie Hester at second base, Malori Hall at third base, Micah Reddat left field and Heather Moak at pitcher.

    West Lincoln lost five starters to graduation last year. Firstbaseman Haley Ainsworth, third baseman Katie Mullins, left-centerfielder Karli Herrington, pitcher Jessica Franklin and shortstopAlexis Cook.

    “We look very good defensively,” continued Redd.

    Hester was among the veterans returning and had a .470 battingaverage in 2010. Pruski batted .455, Hall .286, Redd .246, and Moak.200.

    West Lincoln assistant coaches are Lane Young and Greg Allen. Reddhas 22 players on his squad.

    The Lady Bears’ first home game will be against the McComb Tigerson Aug. 15. The junior varsity game will precede the varsitygame.