Nansemond River High School’s softball team is currently 1-1, and, even after graduating seven seniors last year, the Lady Warriors are still looking to be competitive.

The Lady Warriors have started off their 2017 softball season with two back-to-back games. Thursday, the Lady Warriors took a win over Oscar Smith High School. Friday evening, they took on Deep Creek High School and lost a close game, 3-2.

Lady Warriors coach Gabe Rogers likes the makeup of his team this season. After graduating some key players from last season, the Lady Warriors are looking to build an identity for this year. Rogers is confident about the team he has this season. Most of the players have been in the shadows of very good players in front of them, and now this season is a chance for them to step in and show what they have.

“I’m kind of excited about a new challenge this year,” Rogers said. “We were in a very fortunate position the last four years with the girls we had. Now that those players are gone, we have players who will have a chance to show everyone that they are pretty good, too. I’m excited for them.”

Returning for Nansemond River this year are Kelly Lafferty, Katelyn Biando and Ashlyn Rogers, who were all starters for the team last season. All three of those players were second-team all-region selections last year.

Pitching for the Lady Warriors is Madison Rhoads. She is one of those to keep an eye on for Nansemond River this season. Rhoads is one of the players who has been sitting and can be a real solid pitcher for the team this season.

Along with Rhoads, catcher Megan Wilson is another player who had a really good player in front of her who will look to make a difference this season.

“We have some really good ball players on our team,” Rogers said. “What adds to the excitement is that a lot of people don’t know what we have coming.”

With only two games played, and a record of 1-1, it is too early to tell what kind of team the Lady Warriors will be. Rogers believes his team will find out more about themselves once they head into conference play. The team is looking forward to setting its own identity with its work ethic and approach to games.

Next, the Lady Warriors will be playing at Hickory High School at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday.