After winning a share of the Metro League championship last year, the softball team is looking forward to defending its title.

The captains this season are seniors Olivia Dunsmore, Desiree Lewis, and Kaitlyn Foco.

Foco said the softball team has a good chance at repeating the league championship this season because “the team has a lot of returning players.”

The Hornets claimed the 2017 championship but had to share it with Clio and Holly in a three-way tie for first place.

Dunsmore is eager for the season to begin and is hoping the team’s hard work will pay off.

“I think we’re going to be good,” Dunsmore said. “We train and practice so hard that I think we will go far this year.”

Foco is looking forward to starting her final season and agrees with Dunsmore that the Hornets can have a good year.

“I think the season will go well,” Foco said. “I’m excited for my senior season.”

Out of all the players on the team, the top hitters should be senior Kaitlyn Foco, junior  Isabelle Easton, and sophomore Claire Ouellette. Easton is new to the team this year, transferring from Lapeer.

“All three of us are power hitters,” Foco said. “We’re able to hit the ball farther and harder (than most batters).”

Of course, pitching drives a softball team. This year, Kearsley has three good pitchers who will take the mound: Dunsmore, Ouellette, and Easton.

“All three of our pitchers bring something different to the team,” Foco said. “Claire (Ouellette) has really good movement on her pitches.”

Foco also said that Dunsmore can place the ball where she wants it to go.

“She can pitch to her spots,” Foco said. “Where the catcher lines up her glove, she hits the target.”

As for Easton, Foco said she she doesn’t know Easton’s pitching as well as the other girls because she is new to the team. But Foco said Easton “also has really good movement on her pitches.”

Foco is pleased with the team’s work ethic.

“Every player on the team is dedicated to getting better each day, and that is what will make the team great,” Foco said.

Last year, Kearsley’s season ended by losing to Davison on the MHSAA Division 1 district tournament.

But this year, the Hornets have moved to Division 2. Their district is at Birch Run and includes the host Panthers, as well as Mt. Morris and Clio.

Foco said the team thinks it has a good chance of winning the district but that having the Clio Mustangs in it will make it competitive.

“Knowing that they’re in it, we’ll probably try harder because it’s a rival school,” Foco said. “And they’re a good team all-around, honestly.”