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The Lakeland High School softball team returns the same group from last season and is excited to improve.

The Lakeland softball team was one of the younger teams in the area last season. They emerged as a strong opponent and played some of the best teams in the district tough, and that in turn helped the Lady Cavs going forward.

Coach Steve Wood is hooping the continuity the team has and the experience from last year will help them heading into this season.

“I have everybody back, which will be good for us,” Wood said. “We know what we are up against in the district, and we just want to go out there and do our best. We were very competitive with some good teams.”

The returners include senior Lisa Stuprich, who was an All-District and All-Region selection last year at outfield. Hayleigh Presson returns on the mound, while Brooke Howe, Aryn Kinsey and Kamryn Whitley also return as a strong core.

“I’m pleased with everyone on the team this year,” Wood said. “Every single one of them want to have better results than they did last season, and we are looking forward to that.”

Lakeland will start the season with a couple of 3A non-conference opponents before getting into district play. They open the season at 4:30 p.m. March 17 on the road against Windsor High School.