When you take a look at the PISD softball teams you get a good feel for how different teams can be heading into a season. The Connally Cougars are young and coming off a year where they won just three games. The Hendrickson Hawks return from their best season ever with plenty of new players and a brand new coach while the state-ranked Pflugerville Panthers come into the season with expectations incredibly high. With pre-district underway, here is a look at how the teams shape up.

Connally Cougars

Coach: Shawna Lawless

Last year: 3-20, 1-12

Returning: Shortstop Jessica Pierce, pitcher Nicole Pierce, catcher Megan Seely (honorable mention all-district), third baseman Kris Parr (first team all-district), second baseman Jackie Reyes, outfielder Shamea Bibbs, outfielder Stephanie Gallego and outfielder Jessica Gonzales.

New faces: pitcher Cynthia Arriaga, outfielder Clarissa Briseno and pitcher Kara Babola.

Strengths: “Our bats are stronger this year than they have ever been,” Lawless said.

Concerns: “We have to finish strong,” Lawless added.

Keys: “I am excited about this season,” Lawless continued “We have a good group of girls that work hard and want to win. I feel with their work ethic and determination we can surprise some teams this year and win.”

Hendrickson Hawks

Coach: Jenifer Neatherlin

Last year: 23-10, 7-2, area champion, regional quarterfinalist.

Returning: Pitcher/short- stop Ashley Elicerio (district newcomer of the year), pitcher/outfielder Kirsten Warner (first team all-district/all-Centex), left fielder Stefanie Wozniak (second team all-district), second baseman Jaime Mullins (honorable mention all-district), infielder Courtney McCoy (honorable mention all-district), outfielder Jennifer Jordan and infielder Stephanie Cruz.

New faces: Catcher Ashley Maddoz and pitcher Alexa Cunningham.

Strengths: “We are in shape and quick,” Neatherlin, who was the Hawks’ assistant coach for the last two years, said. “We have a deep and strong pitching staff. The upperclassmen are exceptional leaders that have set an expectation to continue on the path to statewide success.”

Concerns: “Our power hitters graduated last year, so we have had to change our game,” Neatherlin added. “We need to maintain healthy players.”

Keys: “Harnessing the talent we have,” Neatherlin concluded. “If we maintain a confident aggressive attitude we will go far. My players have lived and breathed softball since they were little girls. If they always remember they are playing for that little girl, we will achieve success.”

Pflugerville Panthers

Coach: David Sisson

Last year: 19-9-1, 10-4, area finalist.

Returning: The majority of last year’s team including pitcher Diedre Outon (first team all-district/all centex), catcher Haley Outon (first team all-district/all centex) shortstop Tori Gomez (first team all-district), first baseman Brittany Harley (second team all-district), second baseman Celina Ramos, third baseman Ashleigh Scott.

New faces: outfielder Cici Ramos and pitcher/outfielder Shelby Sells.

Strengths: “Playoff experience,” Sisson said. “Most of our team from last year return. We only lost two starters from last year’s area team.”

Keys: “Improved hitting,” Sisson added. “We have high expectations for this experienced group.”