Softball Preview

Coach:Ted McDaniel, 11th year

Last year:3-18, 1-7 Northwestern District

Key losses:Whitney Dennis, C; Morgan McCarthy, 1B; Lauren Myers, P; Felicity Eiland, SS.

Top returning players:Erin McCarthy, Sr. 3B/P; Rachel Largent, Soph. LF; Morgan Baker, Sr. CF; Morgan Sykes, Jr. 2B/SS; Megan Christian, Jr. C; Charlotte Viands, Soph. 1B, Amanda Higgins, Jr. SS/C.

Key newcomers:Kierstyn Peacoe, Fr. P; Whitney Dick, Fr. OF; Sara Hoover, Fr. 3B/DH.

Outlook:After just six wins in the last two seasons, McDaniel said the Colonels' main goal is to increase run production.

"We averaged less than three runs a game last year and it's hard to win like that," McDaniel said. "We hope to at least double that this year."

If the Colonels can put some runs on the board, that will make things easier for what McDaniel believes will be a solid pitching duo of McCarthy and Peacoe.

McCarthy, a first team all-district selection who led Wood with a .345 average and seven RBIs, returns to lead what he hopes will be an improved offense.

"We really worked hard in offseason workouts on hitting, and I think we're way ahead of where we were last year [at this time]," McDaniel said. "With our 1-2 pitching combination, we can be stronger in the circle."

Opener:Monday at Loudoun Valley, 5 p.m.