Expectations are high for the Tecumseh softball team as they head into the new season starting this weekend, as the Arrows try to improve on their 15-11 season last year, after being eliminated from the postseason tournament in the second round against Centerville.

“I expect for us to have a good season and the team has high expectations,” said Tecumseh coach Christi Leggett. “We will be a young team, but overall we will have some strong talent. We are looking to have a winning season again this year.”

Even though the Arrows will be replacing some key talent with some young kids, Leggett feels that their work ethic could lead them far.

“We have a wonderful group of girls who give 120% everyday,” she said. “They have great attitudes and are invested in being successful this year.”

Leggett knows that replacing their all-conference pitcher Jessica Wilson (now pitching at Ashland) is never easy, but she feels this group is hungry to prove themselves.

“It’s tough to lose one of the key pitchers in the conference, and it will be tough to overcome the loss of an excellent pitcher and leader on the team with a lot of experience. They want to strive better than last year, and they want to go further in tournament.”

Three seniors return this season, including outfielder Rachel Moeller, who according to Leggett has shown vast improvement and is expected to play a solid outfield position for the Arrows.

Cheyann Neal will also share some of the pitching duties for the Arrows.

“She will also fill in and play some outfield and possible infield work for us,” Leggett said. “She is a quiet leader on the team and gives us 110% all the time.”

The other senior who enters her third year on varsity is Danielle Pride, who makes the change to second base this year, and will do some pitching for the Arrows.

“They are a quiet leadership, lead more by example,” Leggett said of her senior class. “They need to be a key part to this team to keep the younger girls focused and working hard”

The lone junior on the team is Karissa Duff.

“She has a never quit attitude,” Leggett said. “She always puts in her hardest effort and is always working to get better. She will play some outfield, and some second base at times.”

Three sophomores return, including pitcher and infielder Ashley Fite, one of the top players in the area.

“She is very talented and I expect her to take off this year,” Leggett said, stating she led the team in average, and led the league in RBIs and second in average, all as a freshman.

Also McKenzie Drews enters her second year on varsity and had to step in and catch last year due to an ankle injury, and she will catch again this year.

Nina Smith is expected to take over at first base for Tecumseh.

Four freshman expected to challenge for time this year are Zoe Dean, Anna Dewitt, Logan Markstrom and Erica Thornhill.

“The good thing is that they gel together so well with a good work ethic,” Leggett said. “We could take our lumps at times, but they will learn from every experience. We will get better every time we go out on the field.”