High school softball capsules

Cape Central Tigers

Head Coach: Amy Blattel, 16th year

Assistant Coaches: Seth Ward and Xia Wilson

Last season's record: 11-16

Postseason result: Lost to Farmington 11-2 in a Class 4 District 1 semifinal

Conference: SEMO

Team strenghs: Great work ethic, great positive attitude, coachability

Team goals: As always, to be playing our best softball in October, to hit 100 PRs for the season and to play for a district championship

Summer preparation strategies: Team camp, travel ball, Wednesday night league, weightroom workouts

Team in three words: Coachable, young, determined

Chaffee Red Devils

Head Coach: A.J. Horn, 3rd year

Assistant Coach: Joe Hendrix

Last season's record: 10-12

Postseason result: Lost to Naylor 8-7 in the Class 1 District 1 title game

Conference: SEMO

Team strengths: We are extremely young but at the same time, the kids really work hard. The kids also work well with each other. The team also has great leadership amongst its players.

Team goals: We are looking to improve on last season's result and move past the district contest. We are young, but will look to senior leadership throughout the season. The team looks to play good defense behind the pitcher while playing consistent softball.

Summer preparation strategies: The majority of team members play on traveling teams during the summer months and attend individual camps at different colleges to improve on their game.

Team in three words: Hardworking young ladies

Jackson Indians

Head Coach: Ashley Litzelfelner

Assistant Coach: Josh Roach

Last season's record: 16-11

Postseason result: Lost to Cape Central 4-0 in a Class 4 District 1 quarterfinal

Conference: SEMO

Team strengths: We have a lot of talk and experience coming back this year. Our girls have worked together for the last two years and a few of our seniors have been on varsity since they were freshmen. They work well together and are knowledgeable about the game.

Team goals: We want to finish this year stronger than we ever have. Our second goal is to play the best we can in every game leaving everything on the field. Our dream is to make it past districts and on our way to State. If we acheive our goals, we can acheive our dream.

Summer preparation strategies: Our team had open gyms this summer and played in the Wednesday night league in Cape Girardeau. Most of them were also a part of traveling teams.

Team in three words: Hardworking, determined, focused

Kelly Hawks

Head Coach: Rhonda Ratledge, 20th year

Assistant Coach: Melanie Heuring

Last season's record: 22-5

Postseason result: Lost to Portageville 2-0 in the Class 2 District 1 title game

Conference: Scott-Mississippi

Team strengths: Solid defense and offense

Team goals: Taking one game at a time to prepare for districts

Summer preparation goals: Everyone played on a traveling/club team

Team in three words: Young, energetic, eager to learn

Notre Dame Bulldogs

Head Coach: Jeff Graviett, 13th year

Assistant Coach: Ray Reinagel

Last season's record: 20-8

Postseason result: Lost to DeSoto 3-2 in a Class 3 state sectional

Conference: SEMO

Team strengths: Speed and defense. We are very athletic

Team goals: Repeat as district champions and make a trip to Springfield in October

Summer preparation goals: Most of our girls played on two teams: Blue Dawgs and Express

Perryville Pirates

Head Coach: Darin Deckerd

Assistant Coach: Tonya Pankey

Last season's record: 7-16

Postseason result: Lost to Notre Dame 7-0 in a Class 3 District 1 semifinal

Conference: Jefferson County Activities Association (JCAA)

Team strengths: Eight returning starters with a lot of experience. Defense and the ability to eliminate the one "big" inning for the other team will be the key to success of the team.

Team goals: Win the Notre Dame SoftballFest, Jefferson County Conference championship and the district championship.

Summer preparation strategies: Summer camp/open field and many played traveling/select throughout the area.

Team in three words: Gritty, determination, #Pigpen

Saxony Lutheran Crusaders

Head Coach: Mark Lewis

Last season's record: 17-9

Postseason result: Lost to Portageville 2-1 in a Class 2 District 1 semifinal

Conference: Freelance

-- From staff reports