The Gore Lady Pirates slow-pitch softball team, off to a 1-3 start this season, will be counting upon its experience from having 10 players — and eight starters — back from last year’s squad.

The Lady Pirates have two seniors back this spring, shortstop/pitcher Ricki Huckbay (.515 batting average a season ago) and outfielder Peyton Curran (.298).

Outfielder Emily Daily (.507 average last spring) and catcher Cheyenne Davidson (.418) are the two juniors back, while third baseman River Shoemake (.377), first baseman Sophie O’Connor (.246), catcher/outfielder Keira Rowe and outfielder Victoria Scott (.245) round out the sophomores returning.

Rounding out the roster are junior outfielder Kennedy Williams (who had to miss last spring’s season due to a knee injury), sophomore outfielder Taryn Trennepohl, freshman pitcher Mylee Bruce, freshmen outfielders Hallie Brewer and Evee Cearly and freshman second baseman Maddison Douglass.

“This season, we have a lot of experience coming back to the team,” said Gore coach Michael Randolph, beginning his second season as coach of the Lady Pirates. “These girls hit the ball well and have a lot of experience defensively. Kennedy Williams will be back this season. She was out all of last season due to a knee injury. Her bat and glove in the outfield will help a lot. We also have freshman Mylee Bruce who will pitch for us this season. She had a great junior high career, and I expect big things from her in the circle. These young ladies are a joy to coach and so much fun to be around. I expect big things from our team this year.”