BY WILL HART/CONTRIBUTING WRITER
lenniehart2006@yahoo.com

COURTLAND—Southampton High School Softball Coach Susan Melbye hopes to see continued improvement for the team this season, which opens with a 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 15 at Windsor High School.

Third-place finishers in the Southside District last year, the Lady Indians lost two seniors — Brandie Hunt and Hannah Turner — and will see the return of 10 players in addition to four newcomers.

“I just want the program to keep improving,” Melbye said. “We always want to be a contender in the district. I want the girls to be improving themselves. If they improve themselves, then it will show on their record.”

The Lady Indians finished 13-7 overall last year and advanced to the first round of region playoffs before falling to Poquoson High School. They were 9-5 in Southside District and runner-ups in the district tournament.

Returning from last season are Megan Revelle, Carla Matthews, Regina Artis, Marisa Cabell, Candace Earls, Katie Ferguson, Emily Nelson, Leandra Watford, Leah Burgess and Brittany Andrews.

Newcomers include Ashlee Buehner, Madison Cabell, Kaylee Edwards and Kaylee Harris.

There are a fair number of seniors on the team.

“I’ve seen these girls improve over the last three years, and I know what they’re capable of doing,” Melbye said. “We are looking to make it back to regionals. We have a good ball team and should make it there.”

The Lady Indians will play district title contenders Bluestone early in the season.

“We should know early on where we stand in the district,” Melbye said. “They’re always a good contender in the district.”

The junior varsity squad opens its season at home at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday against the Lady Dukes.