CRESTLINE — The Crestline Lady Bulldogs softball team, led by head coach Patti Huber and assistants Larry Booth and Megan Eshelman, are entering their second season together. In their first season, the Bulldogs finished just above the .500 mark at 12-11.

Despite losing Caylee Jackson, Ellen Dailey and Jessica Palm from last season’s team to graduation, coach Huber remains positive.

“We are returning a lot of key players from last season and have a few good prospects,” she said. “This year, with our growth, we see things finishing differently (than last season).”

Returning players who received honors last season are junior Madison Huber and sophomore Desiree Naveja. Madison Huber was named to the Mid-Buckeye Conference second team and was all-district-team honorable mention in 2016. Naveja was named to the conference honorable-mention squad.

Joining Huber and Naveja this year are seniors Samantha Wilhite, Sarah Toy, Courtney Swanger and Dennesa Baker. Michaela Jeffrey, Lydia Tadda and Sydney Wiseman are fellow returning juniors for the Lady ‘Dogs. Kiki Sebastian and Brianna Briggs are the other returning sophomores for coach Huber.

Lauryn Tadda is the top freshman prospect.

“(Tadda) is a hard-working athlete who is all business,” said the coach. “Her energy and outgoing character will keep our team motivated and continuing in the right direction.”

When it comes to strengths and weaknesses, it comes down to senior leadership and communication.

“Senior Sarah Toy is constantly working hard on improving her pitching and is looking forward to the start of the season,” says Huber. “We struggle with our communication on the field, but we’ve been running more drills to improve on this to prepare.”

Danville and Lucas are strong teams within the MBC that Crestline couldn’t finish off last season and will likely be atop the MBC this season.

“We are working everyday and will be able to improve on last season’s record and go further in the tournament as long as we play solid defense,” finishes Huber regarding the overall season outlook.

Crestline’s season is set to kick-off on Monday March 27 against MBC foe, the St.Peter’s Lady Spartans on the ‘Dogs home diamond.