Led by two veteran locals, the Memorial High School Lady Crusaders are prepared to better last season’s 13-6 record and make some noise in the Class L postseason.

“We are young, but we certainly have the talent, and at this stage of the game, we certainly have the leadership,” said coach Dave Hedge. “This is a focused group looking forward to making amends for last year.”

In 2007, Memorial’s 13 wins earned the team the No. 7 seed in the playoffs, but a 5-1 19-inning loss to No. 10 Spaulding prematurely ended the campaign.

This season, Memorial returns three seniors and adds a fourth in its quest for postseason success.

Sara Murray and Kelsey Isham, both of Auburn, anchor this year’s squad.

Manchester’s Kerry Webb is the team’s third captain, and Lauren Cawley joins the varsity unit to complete a senior core of four.

Playing primarily first base, Isham didn’t commit an error last season, said Hedge. She fielded 27 chances in the 19-inning playoff marathon alone, turning two unassisted double plays. Murphy, Webb and junior Rachel Hedge, said their coach, form a solid rotation.

“Last year was a good year that ended on a sour note,” said Murphy. “Right now we’re just working on our team unity, but we definitely want to make it to the playoffs and live up to our expectations.”

First things first, said Isham.

“We want to win the (Queen) city championship.”

Indeed, part of the fun of playing in Manchester is vying for annual bragging rights amongst Central, West and Trinity.

Helping the seniors reach their goals this season are Desiree Letendre, Kelsey Johnston, Sam Hebert, Meredith Doyle, Reilly Sheehan and Courtney Tumble.