The Superior Central girls softball team takes batting practice on March 25, 2024 at Superior Central High School. (Adam Hinch/Daily Press)

EBEN JUNCTION — While spring is taking its sweet time arriving to the Upper Peninsula, the 2024 softball season has arrived at full swing.

For Superior Central, it hopes the 2024 season can bring similar success to last season. The Cougars finished 16-5 last season and beat Newberry 19-4 for the district championship before falling 17-2 to Norway in regional action.

This year’s SC softball squad features familiar and fresh faces across the board.

Alice Hancock returns for her senior season. Hancock finished with a .477 batting average to go with 33 RBIs and 13 extra base hits while scoring 34 runs.

She also struck out three times during the entirety of the 2023 campaign.

“Alice was our number one hitter last season,” Cougars coach Richard Swajanen said. “She has good discipline at the plate and and has a great work ethic.”

Sammy Johnson also returns to the team. The now junior posted a .446 batting average with 29 RBIs and 24 runs scored a year ago. Johnson also served as the team’s ace in the circle and finished with zero errors defensively a season ago.

Sophomore Addie Frusti batted .320 last season with 15 RBIs and 20 runs scored with eight walks and posted an on base average of .432 during the 2023 season. She is back in 2024.

Kiera McDonald also returns to the Cougars’ lineup. She posted a .468 batting average with 25 RBIs and 32 runs scored and drew 10 walks during her freshman season.

Senior Josie Hemminger and juniors Stephanie Nordness and Ruth Johnson will provide depth to the team.

But what about the new faces?

Well, there’s sophomore Hope Brunngraeber. Her role will be be at catcher, and despite this being her first year of high school softball, there’s a chance for her to make an impact throughout the season.

“She has a lot of talent and knows the game very well,” Swajanen said. “This is her first year on the team, but she definitely has the skills to be a great player at this level.”

The Cougars also have four freshman joining the team this season in Peyton Adams, Rory Hancock, Kianna Perron and Payton Latvala.

“These freshman will be in a position to make an impact from the start,” Swajanen said. “With only 13 players on the roster everyone will get an opportunity to play and get valuable game experience.”