West Lincoln kicks off the 2016 fastpitch softball season Saturday, hosting Bogue Chitto and Brookhaven in a classic contest.

The Lady Bears will rely on several young players to provide leadership at the plate and in the field this season.

The Lady Bears will have four seniors in the lineup – Hanna Moak, Millane Lewis, Layton Sills and Peyton White.

“We should be very competitive this season,” said West Lincoln head coach Andrew Redd. “We are in a very tough region with two other teams and all should go far in the playoffs.”

Redd will be starting his 18th season at the helm. The Lady Bears look to improve on a 15-11 record last year and a 6-2 record in district play.

The Lady Bears have six returning starters – Moak at first base/outfield, Lewis at first base, Sills at shortstop, White at second base, MaKennah Redd at catcher and Anna Brooke Davis at third base.

West Lincoln lost four starters to graduation last year – third baseman/pitcher Malori Hall, pitcher/outfielder Micah Redd, outfielder Brianna Fauver and outfielder Addie Springs.

“We will have several returning players that will provide experience at the plate and in the field,” said Redd. “Our hitting and being solid in the infield with be our strengths as we work on our pitching.”

Lewis was among the leaders with a .406 batting average in 2015. Moak batted .233, Sills .333, White .158, Davis .316 and MaKennah Redd at .361.

West Lincoln’s assistant coach is Greg Allen. Redd has 23 players on his squad.

West Lincoln softball schedule

FEBRUARY 

27-West Lincoln Classic

29-Franklin County

MARCH

4-Wesson

5-Bogue Chitto

11-at Wesson

14-at Bogue Chitto

15-Salem

22-Loyd Star

24-at Enterprise

31-Prentiss (DH)

APRIL 

5-Bassfield (DH)

7-at Loyd Star

12-Enterprise

14-at Salem

15-at Franklin County

19-at Brookhaven

22-23-play in round

26&28-first round of playoffs

MAY

2&3- second round of playoffs

6&7-South State Finals

13&14-State Finals