LAST YEAR: Last year the Trojans, with their big bats, pounded their way to a 22-9 overall record and won a share of the O-K Silver conference championship. They clinched a share of the title by beating Hopkins 14-10 on the last day of the conference season, with Kya Tawney blasting three home runs. Fruitport went on to win a district semifinal game over Coopersville before falling in the district finals to powerful Hudsonville Unity Christian.

RETURNING STARTERS: The Trojans return seven of nine starters from last year’s team, including many who can really pound the ball. Junior Kya Tawney is the biggest slugger of the group after setting a new school record with 12 home runs last year. Senior Kendall Lee had a very strong .423 batting average last season, senior Mady Prout hit .416 and had seven home runs and junior Kalli Tawney hit .438 and had an outstanding .535 on-base percentage. The other returning starters are senior Tatum Anderson and sophomores Bri Chiaverini and Kendall Prout.

ON THE MOUND: The Trojans will replace longtime pitching ace Brooklyn Russell (400-plus career strikeouts) with three primary pitchers this season – Khloe Kartade (who pitched quite a bit last season), Chiaverini and sophomore Maddie Anderson, who is new to the team.

BALANCED ROSTER: The Trojans will be trying to win big this year while also building for the future, with four seniors, four juniors and five sophomores on the varsity roster.

TEAM STRENGTHS: First-year head coach Katelyn Reynolds says the team’s strengths will include experience, with returning players who show a lot of understanding and passion for the sport; team chemistry, with two sets of sisters among a roster full of players who trust and play for each other; pitching, with three underclassmen hurdlers who show a lot of confidence and skill for their age; and of course a big offense, with players who can hit and find different ways to score from the top to the bottom of the batting order.

FIRST GAME: Monday at home against Covenant Christian.

COACH COMMENT: “This year we are returning girls who are smart and strong softball players. The hard work and preparation in the offseason will pay off in the spring. The girls love the game and each other and combined, have many years of softball experience.” – Katelyn Reynolds