Only graduating three players from a team is generally a good thing.

Only graduating three players from a team that won a Division I district championship is an even better thing. This is the case for the Pickerington Central softball team, who bowed out to Hilliard Darby 2-0 in last year's regional semifinals.

Last season, the Tigers posted a 24-7 record, finishing third in the Ohio Capital Conference Ohio Division behind Grove City and Gahanna at 9-5.

"I think that should help kick us off this year," said Central coach Dan Drees. "All of our kids are excited. We're expecting ourselves to pick up kind of where we left off and be competitive both in the league and Central District."

Back in the circle will be third-year starter and honorable-mention All-Ohio senior pitcher Kelsey Long.

"We're expecting her to be able to pull us through any really tough situations," Drees said.

Long will be throwing to sophomore Hannah Dittoe at the catcher spot.

"She was kind of new at the catching position last year," Drees said, "and so we're expecting her to really step up this year with having that year of experience under her belt.

Up the middle will be two three-year starters in seniors Kris Massie (second base) and Erin Lashley (shortstop). Lashley has signed a letter of intent to play at Ohio University next year.

"(Lashley) is our leadoff hitter," the coach said. "Generally, as she goes, our offense goes... . (Massie) and Lashley, covering the middle, just do a tremendous job."

Taking charge of the outfield will be senior Jenn Hewitt in center field, a player who Drees said had a great season last year.

"Those five for the most part have been the top five in my lineup last year, as well, last year," the coach said. "They're definitely the heart of our program."

After finishing last year as the team's designated hitter, senior Mallory Martin is expected to start as first base. Junior Kaylee Shoff will probably be the starter at third base.

Drees said the two corner outfield positions are still open as to who will be starting there.

Experience is what the coach listed as the team's main strength heading into the season.

"We only graduated three from last year, so the majority of the ones, especially the ones on the field right now, have all played together last year and came through a lot of close games," Drees said.

"We won a lot of one-run games last year and things just because of our teamwork and I guess our attitude of not giving in until the game's over."

A potential weakness, however, could be the lack of power at the plate.

"I would say at this point, I'm not sure how much we can hit for power," Drees stated. "We've got good quickness offensively, ...some power, but yet we just haven't really seen it. We think we have a couple of kids that can hit pretty well, but just not the power game that we've had in years past. So we're hoping that picks up a little bit."

The Tigers will have their work cut out for themselves in the OCC Ohio, which the coach describes as a "dogfight." He foresees a potential four or five-team race for first, with the likes of Grove City, Gahanna, and Groveport. Also attempting to gain footing in the league will be Lancaster, Newark, Pickerington North and Reynoldsburg.

Meeting again in the '09 postseason, Central downed Gahanna 5-4 for its district crown.

Central was set to start the season with two home games, playing Westland Monday, March 29, and Jonathan Alder Wednesday, March 31 (5:15 p.m.).

The team will participate in the Greenville Showcase Friday and Saturday, April 2-3, before kicking off the conference slate with a trip to Lancaster Monday, April 5. First pitch is set for 5:15 p.m.