Gloucester High School softball players open the season at Phoebus on Tuesday before hosting Hampton in their home opener on Friday, March 18. The Lady Dukes return nine players, including six starters, from the 2010 team that posted a 23-2 record.

Returning starters for Gloucester include senior centerfielder Jillian Everett, senior first baseman/right fielder Ashley Williams, junior shortstop Hannah Joyce, junior pitcher/right fielder Taylor Distefano, sophomore first baseman/pitcher Makayla Jenkins and sophomore third baseman Gabby Zarichny.

Kasey Von Engle and Amber Cook return for their senior seasons, with Von Engle behind the plate and Cook starting at second base. Brittany Balderson also returns for her senior year and is vying for playing time in left field.

Newcomers include juniors Rhiannon Miller, Amber Chadwick, Coleen Lemay and Donna Debaun. Head coach Red Lindsay said all four are expected to see time in the outfield. "As a coaching staff, we are still makin...