Homestead’s girls softball team will begin anew this Wednesday with their season-opener against Milwaukee Lutheran, but while the year has changed, many things will remain the same.

While last year’s group had only one senior, Sydney Beckers, this year’s team will consist of primarily seniors.

“The majority of our starting lineup is staying the same. Still, Sydney was a huge influence on our team, so the seniors this year are stepping up to reinstate that same senior influence on this year’s team,” Carly Schultz, senior said.

While the team’s captains have yet to be announced, Carly Schultz, Michaela Rusch, Morgan Clark, Hannah Behnken, Kelly Kasper, Margaux Wilson and Nikki Brendemuehl will provide senior leadership during the upcoming season.

“Last year, the team was almost all juniors,” Schultz said. “That being said, we had already played a full season together as a team and came into the season with good team chemistry.”

The team placed second in the North Shore Conference in 2014, winning their regional competition before falling short in the sectional round of state qualifications. This year they hope to make it all the way through their hard work and intense practice, even though inclement weather has forced them to practice indoors on multiple occasions.

“Our team’s strategy for success this season is to perform to the best of our abilities every game because if we play to our full potential as a team, I believe that we will be able to overcome anything that is thrown our way this season and be really successful,” Rusch said. She also added that the team has to stay relaxed and have fun during competitive months. Clark said the coaches have been focusing on fundamentals and team chemistry as the season begins.

All things considered, the girls are hoping for another home-run season in 2015 and are ready to play ball. Schultz says she believes her team’s talent, discipline, and coaching will take them far this season, and her teammates agree.

“I think I speak for the whole team when I say that we are really excited to get out on the field again and show everyone how hard we have worked and everything we are capable of accomplishing this season,” Rusch said.

Come witness the start of their season this Wednesday at Milwaukee Lutheran High school at 6:30 p.m.