As spring break has come to a close and the last quarter of the school year has begun, softball is yet again under way.

This year, softball begins with a new head coach, Jenna Bode, and senior leadership from several realms of the team.

Headlining the team is seniors Brooke Bandy, Lauren Lahey, Sarah Milkowski vying for another sound showing this season.

Last year, the Dukes won regionals, but were defeated in sectionals and went home without a bid to state. Losing seniors Hannah Latimer, Taylor Pankau, and Angela Scalzitti was a big blow, but the returning class aims to use last year’s frustrating ending as a spur to become state bound once again this season.

“Losing sectionals was a big wake up call. This season we have a bit of a chop on our shoulder and are working hard to get back down state,” said Milkowski.

During the offseason the team lost their head coach.  Bode struck the girls as an ideal leader for them.

“Coach Bode is awesome to work with. Everyone gets along with her well and she creates a great team environment. Having her as the head coach now brings a lot of familiarity back,” said Milkowski.

Although the graduation of plenty of starters always hurts an up and coming team, this years squad stands out with stoic leadership that plans on resuming the trend of state appearances.

“It’s a good feeling to be a senior and have underclassmen look up to us and aspire to play on varsity,” said Lahey. “We expect to win sectionals again and hopefully make it down to state.”