Hayfield softball coach Lisa Rueckert inherits an inexperienced and young team in her first year heading the varsity team after coaching junior varsity in 2002.

The Vikings finished last year at 9-5 and 5-3 in Hiawatha Valley League play.

Making her job easier will be the presence of senior pitcher Cassie Kraetsch, a three-year parttime starter for the Vikings.

"She's got a good arm," Rueckert said, "and having an experienced pitcher like her helps a lot."

Junior Barb Erath will also be returning to patrol center field for the Vikings.

"We've also got a couple of promising sophomores that we think can help us out," said Rueckert of Jessie DeMaria, who'll be handling the catching duties, and Katie Wanous, who could end up at shortstop.

They begin play April 3 against Blue Earth Area.