The start of the 2017 softball season marks year four for Becky Flowers at Brookhaven Academy and the confidence is building.

“I’m probably as excited as I’ve been,” Flowers said.

There are many reasons for Flowers to be excited about her Lady Cougars.

Brookhaven Academy only loses two seniors from last season and returns a roster of young players to build upon.

It’s a young team, but not a deep roster with only 15 players currently on the squad.

Despite not many players on the team, the Lady Cougars are confident in the team they are fielding in 2017.

“Going forward, I am very positive and really believe in this group of girls,” Flowers said. “I only have four players that have a valid drivers license but in softball experience, I think we will be OK.”

With only two seniors returning and three seniors on the team, Flowers said that her team will get looked at as young and inexperienced, but the players that are there will be ready to step up.

Leading the charge for the Lady Cougars is Madi Smith, who pitched the majority of the games last season as an eighth grader. Smith led Brookhaven Academy on the pitching staff, but the plan is to not use her all the time this year compared to last year.

The second pitcher in the rotation will be Emily Claire Felder who started games last season as a seventh grader.

One of the seniors coming into the program is Brookhaven transfer Madison Thompson.

“Adding Madison Thompson gives us some depth in both categories, offense and defense, as well,” Flowers said.

Along with Thompson, seniors Kailyn Jordan and Cameron Watson will be looked upon to lead the Lady Cougars at the plate.

With Brookhaven Academy moving up a classification in athletics, the competition gets stiffer and the team looks to improve from it.

“The reclassification this year puts us in a better position to compete by playing schools closer in size comparison,” Flowers said. “We look forward to playing tough competition early in the year to prepare us for our district play.”

Other returning starters for Brookhaven Academy include sophomore Julie Anna Bartman, junior Jana Case and freshman Abeni Fuller.

“I expect them to hit the ball aggressively and with speed and power,” Flowers said.

Brookhaven Academy will host a tournament on Sept. 9 with all classifications in MAIS. Also, BA will host the 2017 AA South State tournament from Sept. 22-25 held at Hansel King Sports Complex.

The first home game for the Lady Cougars is Aug. 1, beginning with junior varsity at 5 p.m. and varsity following.