Season Preview: Softball

James Wood

Coach: Ted McDaniel, 13th year

Last year: 7-14, 6-6 Northwestern

Key losses: Morgan Sykes, Megan Christian, Amanda Higgins, Anne Zerull.

Top returning players: Kierstyn Peacoe, Jr. P; Haley Whitacre, Jr. 2b; Rachael Largent, Sr. CF; Charlotte Viands, Sr. 1b; McKenzie Garrett, Soph. OF; Laura Gates, Soph. SS; Taylor Rizzari, Soph. OF/P.

Key newcomers: Jessy Shipman, Jr. C; Sara Hoover, Jr. 3b; Tori Armel, So. P/OF; Caitlin Hickey, Soph. OF; Tayler Darr, Jr. 1b.

Outlook: A seven-game skid to end the season has the Colonels eager to take the field.

Peacoe, who shares team captain honors with Largent (.351) and Viands, gives the Colonels plenty of experience in the pitching circle to go along with eight returning players, including five full-time starters and three other spot starters along with Shipman, a transfer from Handley who will catch while Whitacre shifts from behind the plate to second base.

“Last year was a disappointing one for us,” McDaniel said. “We played about .500 ball and then we lost the last six games and then the tournament game. We ended the season with a bad taste so we can’t wait to get back out there.”

Peacoe hit .400 with 18 RBIs and 15 runs scored last year, and she returns as Wood’s leading hitter with the departure of Sykes. Largent (.351) and Viands (.379 with 17 RBIs) give the Colonels some offensive firepower.

James Wood faces a tough non-district schedule with games against Tuscarora, Loudoun County, Clarke County, Fauquier and Musselman (W.Va.), but McDaniel hopes facing that stiff competition prepares his team for the Northwestern.

“[Last year] we just didn’t get the big hit or make the big defensive play,” McDaniel said. “We had twice as many errors in 2012 as 2011. Defense is a big part and if you can’t make the plays when you need to you’re going to lose games.

“Our non-district schedule is brutal, but I think we can be very competitive in the Northwestern District.”

Opener: Monday at Tuscarora, 6