The NOC Lady Mavericks will open the 2018 softball season Monday hosting Pratt Community College Monday for an opening season doubleheader starting at 1 p.m.

Coach Kadie Berlin is excited for her fourth campaign to begin.

"We're very excited and ready to get started," Berlin said Thursday.  "I really like this group of players.  We are as prepared for a season to start as we've been since I've been at NOC."

Offensively, Berlin said the Lady Mavs will be relying on small ball in 2018.

"We'll have some power but we'll be relying on small ball this year a lot," Berlin said.  "We'll be slapping the ball, stealing bases and taking the extra base.  I want us to be very aggressive on the bases and force mistakes."

NOC returns four starters including outfielder Savanah Mundell (.402 5 HR 41 RBI), infielder Rylee Turman, catcher Jakayla Whitney and Madi Baughman (.331 2 HR 20 RBI) from last year.  Baughman returns on the mound as the #1 starter.  Baughman was 9-7 with a 3.68 ERA.  She struck out 32 hitters in 2017.

"We had a good look at our girls during the fall schedule and we've carried that over into the spring," Berlin said.  "We have a good group this year, we're excited to get the season underway."

The Lady Mavs were 24-27 in 2017.