Head softball coach Monty Ervin is back for his second season with the Lady ‘Dawgs.

His fastpitch team finished the 2022 season with a 22-13 record after falling to Lindsay in the Regional tournament.

Several seniors graduated from that team, including Izzy Pack, Cora Vasquez, Maddie Manuel, Leslie Barber and Alexis Feuerborn.

Ervin returns four seniors, all with gametime experience.

“I have a good nucleus of seniors and they have enough experience to be helpers for our younger players. Those girls will have to step us and do their jobs,” Ervin said.

Seniors include Marisa Northrup, Abi Clifton, Kiely Givens and Maison Sissney.

Ervin mentioned Givens and Sissney’s preseason play during Lexington’s several scrimmages.

“Kiely and Maison have done great for us during our several scrimmages already.”

Baylee Rillema is the lone junior on the squad.

“Baylee is our most improved player in the last year. She’ll be in the lineup somewhere; she’s a utility and can play different spots,” Ervin said.

Seven sophomores and four freshman fill out the remainder of the team.

McKenzie Manuel and Kora Parker, both having played last season, will have higher expectations this season, according to the coach. He expects both sophomores to be heavily relied upon in Lexington’s infield.

As far as the season ahead, Ervin is excited about his defense.

“We will be really good defensively. There will be lots of opportunities for girls this season and they’ll need to step up and get experience under their belt.

“Pitching will be our Achilles Heel. We will primarily lean on sophomores and freshmen in the circle,” Ervin said.

The coach said he’s still working on his lineup and believes that Lexie Torres has a chance to grab that lead-off spot, once she puts all the pieces together.

District foes for Lexington this season are Lindsay, Jones and Heritage Hall.

“I believe we have the hardest district in 3A. Lindsay will be the top dog then us, Jones and Heritage Hall will battle it out.

“If we can stay healthy, we can be really tough,” Ervin said.

With only scrimmages under their belt, Ervin is still assessing his team.

“We have really good chemistry and the girls have taken to heart that they will have to step up this season.

“We will have to score runs and produce at the plate if we want to compete.”

The Lady ‘Dawgs kicked off their season at Norman on Monday with a three-way with Glenpool and the Tigers.