New Lyle/Pacelli softball coach Missy Blaser will have a slightly tougher job this season than the average first year coach.

Her predecessor Tom Clements established the program as the dominant force in the Southeast Conference in his six years at the helm, winning 113 games and guiding it to a state runner-up finish in 2001. The 2002 version of the squad she inherits won its third straight Southeast Conference title while compiling an 18-5 record.

There's no guarantee of continued dominance this year though.

"We have a very young team this year," Blaser said of a squad that has only five upperclassmen on it. Despite losing three of its top four hitters to graduation, the cupboard is certainly not bare.

Junior Louise Mudra will be moving in from second base to take over the pitching duties from departed All-State hurler Amy Bickler. A first team All-State selection herself last season, Mudra is also the top returning hitter for L/P as her .611 batting average, 44 hits, and 38 runs scored were all team highs.

All-Conference catcher Rebecca Mino also returns for her junior season. A .295 batter in 2002, Blaser "expects more good things from her again this year."

Kate Boisjolie, the lone senior for L/P, figures to see action at both middle infield spots this season. She's the top returning run producer as well, with 13 RBIs last spring. Junior Melissa Farrell will take over at first base after seeing action in 10 varsity games in 2002. Kelsey Sampson hit .250 in part-time action last season, behind only Mudra and Mino among returning players.

"Most of our kids are going to be new to their positions," said Blaser, "so how well we do depends on how well they handle being put into varsity game situations.

"Hopefully they'll step up for us this season," said Blaser of her inexperienced players, "because our goal is still to win another conference title and keep the winning tradition going."

L/P begins its season April 7 at Glenville-Emmons.