One year after making the quarterfinals in the district playoffs, the Zephyr softball team will be looking to build on that postseason run heading into 2015.

Most of their roster returns from the squad that upended Emmaus in the opening round of the District XI playoffs, and with that amount of experience returning, the future looks extremely bright for the Zephs.

While last season was characterized by baby steps, this year's team, which lost only two seniors, will be marked by achieving a level of success and sustaining it throughout the year.

"This year it's going to be about maintaining consistency and gaining maturity each and every game," said head coach Alexis Berg-Townsend.

She also said that the Zephs will benefit from a season in which the players are accustomed to their roles, unlike last year where a lot of players were just getting acclimated to varsity softball.

"We already have an established foundation," said Berg-Townsend. "This year we're diving right into it."

Last season the Zephs finished 11-11 overall and 5-9 in the conference.

This year they'll be aligned with some tough teams in the Skyline Division of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, but with a strong nucleus returning, they should be able to make another bid for the postseason.

That experience begins on the mound as southpaw Kay Solderitch, who handled the bulk of the pitching duties last season, will be part of a three-pitcher rotation for the Zephs. She'll be joined by junior Taylor Stephens and sophomore Ashlee Brosky, both right-handers who saw action last season on the hill. Berg-Townsend likes the fact that having that righty-lefty combination gives her flexibility, deciding what match-ups suit them the best each game.

Berg-Townsend said that much of softball hinges on the mental aspect of the game, and no where is it more prominent than on the mound. If they can use their experience in conjunction with a tough mental attitude, they'll be in contention every time they step on the field.

The strong foundation continues with second baseman Gabrielle Molitoris who earned first team Lehigh Valley Conference All -Conference last season. Molitoris, a junior, batted .405 last season. Also earning first-team honors was designated player Abigail Nguyen, a senior, who will once again be their DP, providing some pop.

Junior Mackenzie Guzy will be behind the plate. Berg-Townsend said that Guzy brings a lot of enthusiasm to the diamond.

"She'll bring experience and a love of the game behinds the plate," said Berg-Townsend.

First base will feature senior Karly Klein. Klein is another player who brings a wealth of experience to the field. Klein and Nguyen are the two seniors on this year's squad, and both players will be counted on to provide leadership as they embark on this season inside the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference.

At shortstop Julia Solderitch returns, giving the Zephs yet another veteran in their infield. Solderitch and Molotoris give the Zephs solid defense up the middle.

Berg-Townsend said that third base is still up in the air, and that five candidates are currently vying for the position.

The Zephs experience continues in the outfield as all three starters return from last season. Junior Rachel Spanitz will be back in right field, while junior Jillian Rex will play center and sophomore Cara Bonshak will be in right. Berg-Townsend said that Brosky will see action in the outfield as well.

Berg-Townsend said that both Rex and Spanitz have been patrolling the outfield for three seasons, giving them strong veteran leadership in that area.

The Zephs will also feature some newcomers. Junior Taylor Kosman leads that list, along with sophomores Courtney Grim and Rachel Schannauer.

Offensively, the team should be poised for another strong season. They scored 113 runs over 22 games last year, and with most of their starting line-up in tact, they should be sound at the plate again this season.

As they embark on this new season, Berg-Townsend said they'll be stressing the need to put away teams when they have the opportunity as well as beating the teams they should beat on their schedule.

"We didn't know how to finish games, and with this many starters returning, and with their maturity, we should know how to finish those games," said Berg-Townsend.