The NOC Mavs Softball Team opens the season Tuesday, Feb. 12, on the road at Southern Nazarene JV.

Under coach Tori Green, the Mavs will be a young team.

"Our team is going to be young and have a lot of new faces on the field," Green said.  "Our returning sophomores have provided great leadership and direction to be successful. I think we will find success this season in doing the small things correctly and utilizing our strengths to our advantage. I look forward to seeing these girls compete at a high level and grow this year."

Green said she likes the athleticism of this year's squad.

"Our biggest strength this year will be utilizing our speed to take bases," he said.  "I think our outfield play will help set us apart in big moments."

The biggest hurdle of the Mavs is their youth and the injury bug.

"We are young in the circle and lost quite a few girls to injury," she said.

Seminole is always a favorite in Region 2 but Green has some other teams she likes.

"Region play will be tough," she said.  "Seminole is strong as usual, but Eastern is returning a strong line up and Rose is always a tough competitor."

The every day lineup includes Payton St. Andrews (C), Hannah Endicott (1B), Mikayla Arnold (2B), Elyssa Kaniatobe (SS), Allison McGowan (3B) with Abby Farris and Kerik Brown seeing action on the corners.  The outfield will consist of Fayth Hoover, Ryllie Shipp, and Maggie Glasgow with Jaci Johnson seeing time in the outfield and as the Mavs main pinch runner.

In the circle, Jordan Johnson and Ashlyne Roblyer will start with Shiloh Roberson and Morgan Robison working in relief.