The Superior Central softball team had a pretty good year last spring, going 11-6 overall and winning a Division 4 district championship. The Lady Cougars return eight players from that squad, giving them plenty of experience to draw upon, and if things go their way it should lead to success yet again.

“We should be a little stronger than last year at this time with being able to have some outdoor practices and the team seems really focused,” tenth year head coach Richard Swajanen said. “(The weather) helped a little to actually get a few times outside for practice. Also, the team got a few (scrimmages) played in the Spring Swing (at the Superior Dome March 29 and March 30).”

Returning to the team will be seniors Alice Hancock (outfield), Josie Heminger (first base), juniors Sammy Johnson (pitcher), Ruth Johnson (outfield), Stephanie Nordness (outfield), sophomores Keira McDonald (centerfield, pitcher), Addi Frusti (shortstop) and Janesaa Perron (outfield).

New to the team is sophomore Hope Brunngracber (third base, catcher) and freshmen Rory Hanock (second base), Payton Latvala (outfield), Kianna Perron (outfield) and Peyton Adams (catcher).

In the district tournament last year, the Cougars defeated Munising 22-0 in the semi-finals, and in the championship took down Newberry 19-4. Their season came to an end in the regional semi-finals, falling to Norway 17-2.

S-C is scheduled to open the season on Tuesday, April 16 at Stephenson and play April 18 at home against Manistique.

“Teams vary every year, ideally we would like to beat every team,” Swajanen said. “We haven’t had our first game yet, so it is really hard to know what the conference looks like. I’m hopeful our team will do their best, and be a repeat conference win. I hope the weather keeps being good so we can play them. Years past we have missed games because of snow being on the field.”