Hammond entered the 2013 softball season with a new outlook.

“After years of being in a rebuilding mode, this team should be more competitive than years past,” said fifth-year coach Ken Beasley. “We’ll go as far as our pitching carries us.”

Hammond welcomes back seven starters from an improved, 10-12 team.

The veterans include seniors Sydney Beasley (2B), Anne Elise Goudelock (1B), Hannah Goudlock (P-OF) and Catherine Herring (OF) and juniors Faythe Goins (3B), Caroline Reid (SS) and Britt Harris (C-OF).

Goins (.545, 20 R, 18 RBI), Reid (.524, 18 R, 10 RBI) and Goudlock (.364, 10 R, 14 RBI) carried the attack last season.

Junior pitcher Skylar Sheppard, a transfer from Florida, is one newcomer to watch.

The Skyhawks are looking to close the competitive edge enjoyed by Cardinal Newman in SCISA Region 1-3A.

Hammond is off to a 5-3 start through March 9.