The King’s Fork High School softball team is looking forward to a competitive season this spring.

The Lady Bulldogs will return to the diamond this year under a different direction. Coach Tom Hinnant has taken over the head coach role, replacing Richard Froemel. Hinnant had been an assistant the last couple of seasons for the Lady Bulldogs and is more than familiar with the team.

King’s Fork feels good about its ability to be competitive this season.

“I think we are going to be solid this season,” Hinnant said. “We have a strong class of seniors coming back, and we are feeling good. It was an easy transition for me taking on the head role. I have a good relationship with these girls.”

Last season, the Lady Bulldogs fell in the region opener to Great Bridge High School. Returning for King’s Fork is Cali Hinnant. The junior has been an All-District and All-Region pitcher last season. Baxley Lockhart returns at shortstop, and Isabella Gay is back at first base.

Hinnant believes the key for the team this season will be good hitting. The Southeastern District is filled with talented pitchers, some of whom will be playing college ball next year at the Division I level. He believes the key will be hitting consistently while also making good decisions on base.

“We have to play within ourselves and doing the things we do well,” Hinnant said. “We don’t want to start doing too much because we feel overpowered. We just want to execute what we do well.”

The Lady Bulldogs want to win every game possible, but they do believe it’s equally as important to maintain a family atmosphere. They know the closer they are as a group, the more equipped they will be to deal with whatever adversity they may face.

While going through a tough schedule this season, the Lady Bulldogs hope to secure a region bid and to win the region. Their journey will start on Monday when they go on the road and take on Wilson High School at 5:30 p.m.