By KIM NORTH

Times Leader Sports Writer

WOODSFIELD — Monroe Central’s Michael Brock is hoping the success the girls basketball team had this winter will carry over to the softball diamond this spring.

The Seminoles advanced to the Division IV regional tournament for the second time in program history, and many of those same performers are among the two dozen players on the softball roster.

Of those 24 players, nine are returning letterwinners from a team that was upset in the first round of the sectional tournament.

“We are working hard to be better than we were last year. With nine returning letterwinners we have set our goals very high and the hard work will help us meet our goals,” Brock, who is 82-49 entering his seventh season, said.

He said the increase in numbers is great for the program.

“That will allow us to have a lot of JV games for the younger ladies to get more experience for the future,” he noted.

The returning letterwinners are broken down evenly among the top three grades, with three seniors, a trio of juniors and three sophomores.

Leading that group are seniors Kalista Friday (SS), Regan Hamilton (C) and Trista Morris (OF/INF). Juniors are Makenna Matz (1B), Madison Stimpert (CF) and Kynzi Bishop (2B). The sophomores include Brookelynn Grubb (3B), Ryleigh Winland (OF) and Shyann Baker (P/C).

Replacing veteran pitcher Liz Roderick will be a key to the season. She was joined by Anna Weddle and Gillian Leonard in picking up diplomas last May.

Rounding out the Monroe Central roster are seniors Megan Hoover (3B), Hailie Hoyt (OF) and Haylynn Hiles (OF); junior Olivia Valkovic (1B); sophomores Kazziah Cecil (P), Saylee Burkhart (C), Jaysa Henthorn (P) and Jozie Zwick (P/2B); as well as freshmen Karlie Haslam (P), Jauna McElvoy (C/UTIL), Mylee Hoover (OF/1B), Lane Largent (OF), Taylor Chappell (OF), Jasmine Marshall (OF) and Kensington Hiles (OF).

The Seminoles have added a pair of games with Buckeye Local this season. They replace St. Clairsville.

Brock is assisted by Cheyenne Williams and Shantel Zwick.