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The other starting pitcher, Jennifer Spann, is only a sophomore but proved to be made of stern stuff last season.

And with veterans coming back at most all of the other positions, the Blazers have naturally set the bar pretty high.

First of their goals to be achieved, of course, is winning the Lake Michigan Conference title. After that, capturing a fifth straight district championship and then making it out of the regional are on the agenda.

But, the Blazers are keeping everything in perspective as they prepared to open the regular season Tuesday at Suttons Bay.

That is, if the weather cooperated and they were able to play. It was supposed to rain Tuesday.

Veteran coach Rik Ponstein has the luxury of possessing a third pitching option should he need it in shortstop Kara Ponstein.

Of course, he'd rather not pull Ponstein out of the infield where she has been a mainstay the last few years.

Bernadette Gillespie, an All-Region centerfielder last year, is moving to catcher this spring.

Her backup behind the plate will be sophomore Kristi Peters, who will also be the team's designated hitter.

Gillespie was the backup catcher last year, but was so good in the outfield that Ponstein didn't use her much as the backstop.

"We were just better with a senior behind the plate, and her in center," Ponstein said. "This year, she really likes to catch, so that's what we're going to do."

Also coming back are senior third baseman Kaiti Jones and senior first baseman Katie Krause.

Second base will be filled either by junior Abby Merrill or junior Maria Harbour, and whichever one doesn't play there will start in the outfield.

Three seniors will play in the outfield in Janelle Slater, a returning starter, as well as Jessica Muma and Jamee Wellman.

"I'm pretty excited about this year," Ponstein said. "I have two real good pitchers coming back, and I lost one senior starter. I think we're going to be a pretty good team this year.

"Kara made only four errors all last year at shortstop, and Katie Krause and Kaiti Jones are both experienced infielders.

"Our infield is going to be pretty tight."

After opening at Suttons Bay, the Blazers jump right into conference play at home on Friday against Grayling.

The softball field should be ready for the home opener, but there is still snow in the outfield at the baseball field, and the games may be re-scheduled.

But, the snow could melt by Friday.

"I think (the league) is going to be pretty much like it always is ... a battle between St. Francis, Elk Rapids and us," Ponstein said.

"So, those are going to be big games. I like our chances, though."