For the last couple of seasons the Parkland softball team has been led by an experienced battery. Their pitcher and catcher seemingly had a ton of varsity experience under their belts each and every year. But in 2015, the Trojans relied on the arm of a sophomore.

Aubree Fritzinger did not disappoint, going 27-1 and posting a 1.41 ERA with 54 strikeouts and 27 walks in 154 innings in her first year as a varsity starter leading. She helped Parkland to the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, District 11 and PIAA state titles, their first one since 2009.

Like every year, the Trojans lost some key pieces to that state championship team. They will have to replace the middle of the infield, along with a big bat in the outfield in Madison Marshall, along with catcher Sid Stibitz and outfielder Abby Fritzinger.

But there will be some players back who helped in the run of that silverware a year ago.

Taylor Knappenberger, Kyliegh Staudt, Jessica Kutteroff, Shauna Frank, Alyssa Oakley, Jenna Lehr, Chelsea Morgan and Aubree Fritzinger give head coach Barry Search a core to work with.

“We have some players back with playoff experience,” Search said. “And they know what it is going to take to be competitive, which will help us in big games. But there are only two players in the same position as last year, so there will be some adjustments that have to be made.”

Madison Holub, Steph Herple, Alexia Medero and Makenzie Wolfe will be looked at to contribute this year for Search.

These new players in new positions are going to be something to look at early on in the season as the Trojans look to defend their state title, starting with the season opener on March 30 at home against Easton.

“We are a team that can best be described as in transition,” said Search. “The faster the transition takes place, and the quicker we can bring the new players into the team, the faster we can begin to work as a unit.”