The defending champion Washington Warrior slow-pitch softball team is setting out to defend their State title.

After only graduating one senior – Shelbie Caveness – from last year’s team the Warriors are experienced and loaded with talent.

Fifth year head coach Tylor Lampkin said the team is coming together after the arrival of the basketball players, who just hoisted a State title of their own.

“I’m really proud of the girls playing early this season. We were able to go play four games  and take care of business,” he said. “They held it down and got some games in before everyone else got here.”

The Warriors are 5-0 and ranked No. 1 in Class 5A at this point.

Lampkin hasn’t locked in a starting lineup, and likely won’t due to the depth of talent his team possesses, but has been tinkering with a few combinations.

He said he expects Julie Hoehner to see time at first base and Kinzlee Pogue at third.

Presley Lucas has been playing catcher while Abby Byrd and Briley Beller will both pitch.

“Abby has been doing a great job and we’ll play whoever is hot at the time,” Lampkin said. “They both swing the bat really well.”

Daphne Palumbo will see a lot of time at shortstop while Isabella Castillo and Raelee Adkins will hold down second base.

The outfield will have multiple combinations of Kelby Beller, Ava Salcedo, Emersyn Massey, Castillo, Jasey Baker, Lexie Salcedo and Hadley Beard.

“Our depth will let us get whoever is hot in the lineup,” the coach said.

Lampkin said he’ll use upcoming tournaments to get his team up to speed and he’s looking forward to starting the season.

“I’m pretty excited and they’re excited,” Lampkin said. “They found out there hasn’t been a team at Washington that has won fast-pitch, basketball and then the spring sport titles,” Lampkin said. “When they heard that it sparked something in them and they want to do it to be different than anyone who has come through here. This group has always been special and they’re trying to win it again. They know they’ll have a target on their backs every game.”

They defeated North Rock Creek 13-0 on Monday.

Massey had a big day at the plate, going 3-3 with a homer. She had two RBIs and scored three times.

Adkins had a four RBI day after her grand slam in the third inning.

The Warriors are scheduled to host Class 5A No. 2 Tecumseh on Monday.