Vidalia High School has knowledge on its side for the 2017 softball season.

After finishing last year with a 10-16 record, the Lady Vikings lost just two players to graduation.

“We have an awful lot of experience coming back, and if we aren’t much better this year, it’s my fault,” Vidalia coach Forrest Foster said. “We are looking forward to a very competitive season, and we are excited about it.”

VHS will be led by seniors Madison Johnston and Katlyn McCarver.

While Johnston will be starting at third base for the third consecutive year, Foster will move McCarver between first base, second base, shortstop, pitcher and outfield.

“They will provide a lot of leadership, and I’m expecting big things out of them this year,” Foster said. “Both of them have basically been starting and playing a lot of ball since freshman year.”

In Vidalia’s scrimmage game on Feb.4 at Mangham, McCarver got the start at second base. She said she doesn’t mind where she is on the field and is just happy to be a part of the Lady Vikings.

“I just want to be wherever I can be to help,” McCarver said. “I’m excited to see what this year holds for the whole team.”

Foster said he is also pleased about his team’s overall mindset.

He said each player is fighting to receive a starting spot in the lineup, including catchers Macie Seyfarth and Tiffany Brewer.

“I’m impressed with them,” Foster said. “You can tell and see it in their eyes that they want it. It’s a good attitude to have.”

With determination comes strength, and Foster said the Lady Vikings’ biggest advantage this season will be their defense.

He said since ball protection should be strong, he is working on developing depth in the circle to round out the resources.

“Pitching is not where I want it to be,” Foster said. “They need work, but are still good. The main thing is for the pitchers to throw strikes and put the ball in place so we can play defense.”

For her senior year, Johnston said she is most looking forward to reinforcing the connection between her and her teammates.

“Most of us have played with each other our whole lives,” she said. “Communication is the key to this game. Now we have the younger people coming up and they know what to expect. I just want to teach them what to do to carry this team.”

Vidalia will open its season Feb. 21 at Franklin Parish.