The 2017 Central Community College softball team is looking for another successful season, which gets underway on Valentine's Day. The Raiders were in position to potentially win the 2016 Region IX Division II tournament, but a 4-1 loss to Southeast Community College brought an end to those hopes. CCC head coach Jack Gutierrez expects Southeast to again be the favorite and if his team hopes to be in position to challenge the Lady Storm, his players will have to grow up in a hurry.

"Our team is rather young," said Gutierrez. "We only have one full-time starter returning from the 2016 squad in Maddie Kucera, who plays third base and catcher."

Kucera was named Region IX Division II Freshman of the Year in addition to being named to the All-Region team. Other sophomores that Gutierrez is looking to step up are INF Lizzy Cunningham, UT Cassidy Edwards and P/INF Carson Nelson.

Gutierrez has five freshmen that he believes will play key roles. They are SS Mackenzie Eller, P Katelyn Keen, C Danica Schaefer and OF/C Mariah Watchorn.

"As always, solid pitching from Carsen Nelson and Mackenzie Eller will be keys to success along with good solid defense," said Gutierrez. "Our left side of the infield is very good with Kucera and Eller."

Other freshmen to be watching for include INF Karly Boje, OF Kim Bradshaw, INF Jenna Robinson, INF Toni Rodriguez and P/OF Kayla Roumph.

The Raiders will venture to Kansas and Texas from Feb. 14 through Feb. 18 for games at Hesston College and Hutchinson Community College, before taking part in the Cowtown Classic in Fort Worth on Friday and Saturday. CCC will return home and take two weeks off from competition before getting underway in earnest. The Raiders are scheduled to play 39 regular-season games from Mar. 1 through Apr. 19. The Region IX playoffs are set to begin on Friday, Apr. 21.