A fully embraced underdog, Norwin softball has become a regular contender in WPIAL 6A.
The team made the WPIAL final two years ago and the semifinals last year.
With seven seasoned returning starters coming back, the softball Knights are aiming for another postseason run.
Norwin will try to push top-ranked Hempfield again.
Norwin upset North Allegheny in the quarterfinals, 2-1, before falling to Seneca Valley, 6-1, in the semis.
Like Hempfield, the Knights can exhale some with star pitcher Lexie Hames gone at Seneca Valley. Hames is now pitching at Clemson.
“Hempfield is Hempfield,” Norwin coach Brian Mesich said. “Their legacy speaks for itself.
“Awesome to see Lexie pitching on TV.”
Key returnees include juniors Diem Wardzinski and Maddie Kugler, senior pitcher Abbie Telli, senior designated player Miley Harrison and sophomore catcher MaKenna Black.
Telli, Wardzinski and Black were all-section players.
Seniors Addison Grimes and Graci Castelli, and junior Lia Holtzman also return to the lineup.
Other players looking to contribute include seniors Lilly Holtzman and Addie Elyes. Sophomore Chloe Bavolar and freshman Ava Minnich also are in the mix.
“We hope to compete for the section title,” said Mesich, who begins his 13th season. “The girls worked extremely hard in the offseason.
“The girls are driven and committed. We have a mix of senior leadership with underclass talent.
“We have more drive to finish our unfinished business and hopefully our past experience and dedication to the team this year will be enough.”