Forecast

A perennial powerhouse in the Miami Valley Conference, the Cincinnati Christian softball team has advanced to four straight Division IV district title games.

But the Cougars lost all four games, coming close last season in a 2-1 loss to Covington.

This season, CCS no longer has its flame-throwing pitcher Stephanie Burlew on the mound, who graduated after averaging more than 12 strikeouts a game in her senior season. Coach Steve Gillens said he plans to use two or three pitchers, none of whom are as overpowering as Burlew.

Keep an eye on

Allison Radomski: The senior who earned All-MVC honors last season is a catcher, a talented slap hitter and one of the conference's top base stealers.

Raychel Lotspeich: Lotspeich, a junior, is another All-MVC selection. She will pitch and play shortstop.

Emmalee Reiser: The sophomore will pitch, play some at third base and bat cleanup.

Molly Snyder: A senior who was All-MVC last season, she will platoon at first base and shortstop.

Quotable

"We have four girls play summer league," Gillens said. "We also have a winter-ball indoor league. We try to do what some of the larger schools do."

Last season

17-5 overall, 10-0 MVC Gray