DEMOPOLIS &045; After landing victories over Brookwood and Hillcrest in last weekend’s tournament, the Demopolis High School softball program is approaching the rest of the season with high expectations.

Browder and his squad feel justified in their expectations based on what they consider to be among the highest talent levels the program has ever seen.

McGee, who has played on the varsity squad since the eighth grade, will split time in the circle and at third base with longtime friend and teammate, Sara Davis.

His confidence in his pitchers proved warranted last weekend as McGee pitched her way to a 5-1 victory over 6A Hillcrest while stroking a grand slam in the contest. Her pitching tag team partner Davis struck out 13 Brookwood batters and picked up the win in her first start of the year.

The tandem will be joined by fellow seniors Jasmine Simmons, Devin Latham, Vanicka Williams and Morgan Patterson. They will lead a team of 20 girls, most of which will split time between the varsity and junior varsity squads. Three of the girls who will spend time at both levels are Tera Schroeder, Samantha Walker and Kristin Beach.

When they are not providing stellar defense for the varsity, Schroeder and Beach will be sharing the pitching duties on the junior varsity team.

DHS is returning all but two seniors from a team that won the area championship last year. Given the general lack of depth in area play, Brower has put together a rigorous out-of-region schedule that will test the Tigers against 6A teams like Prattville and Hillcrest, as well as other talented programs like American Christian and Thompson. The team will also return to the Clarkdale Tournament in Meridian where it is assured of facing top-notch competition.

&8220;The purpose of our tough schedule is preparation for the playoffs,&8221; Brower explained. &8220;It does us no good to breeze through the schedule because everyone is good when you get to the playoffs.&8221;

If this year’s group is to return to the state tournament, it may very well be due to something more than on-field ability.

However, regardless of what this team is able to accomplish, their goal remains crystal clear.