Liberty High School’s softball team will return most of last year’s players for the upcoming 2016 season, including this year’s captains, Victoria Schmidt, Dallas Horning, and Kristin Kaleycik.

“I believe this team can be outstanding if they believe they can,” said Hurricane head coach Sam Carrodo. “The captains know what we expect, to be on the field first and to lead. We don’t want a captain who’s a screamer. This is their team, but they come to us if there’s something they can’t handle.”

Schmidt will return to pitch, along with Kyla Benner and Jess Boyer. Cailin Donegan will start as catcher.

“Schmidty knows exactly what she wants and how to handle herself,” Carrodo said. “Cailin understands her position. It’s her first step into varsity. She worked hard to get to where she is.”

Jess Watts and Alyssa Millhouse should be the Hurricanes’ first basemen, and returning at second base will be Michaela Brunnaben, while Kaleycik will return at shortstop, and Horning will return at third base.

Reyna DeJesus is also a key returner, and Mikayla Ruppert and Skilee Diaz will most likely join her in the outfield.

“We have enough hitters to score some runs, and I believe our defense will keep us in games,” said Carrodo.

Also on the varsity roster are Mary Kate Sheplock, Keri Appleman, Alexis Morales, Miranda Kinney, Kira Kuhns, and Ashley Weinberg.

“I know what I’m not looking forward to. I’m not looking forward to the last game, but a season where we are very successful with no injuries,” Carrodo said. “We’re in a very difficult division, and it will be a difficult battle to get to leagues.”