For openers, not much can match a pair of aces.

Entering the season, John Stark softball head coach Zach Medlock is relying on two returning starting pitchers who helped propel the team to the Class I quarterfinals last year, soothing memories of several years of subpar play.

Seniors Emily Sweeney and Alexe Proctor are the main arms for the Generals. Each fired a no-hitter during the Generals’ 17-4 campaign in 2008.

In total, Medlock returns 10 players with varsity experience, and the coach is pleased with his squad’s response to its first winning season in years.

“That was a huge confidence builder,” said Medlock. “But when you have a season like that, you worry that you’ll get complacent and wonder if you can do that again. Instead of complacency, I’ve seen urgency.”

The team plans a different approach at the plate during certain situations, utilizing its speed and bunting more than in the past.

Standout shortstop Kelsey Francher, who topped 20 RBI and runs scored in ’08, again anchors the infield, which is filled with familiar faces. Third baseman Olivia Cray, second baseman Becca Morin and first baseman Molly Dussault all reyou have a season like that, you worry that you’ll get complacent and wonder if you can do that again. Instead of complacency, I’ve seen urgency.”

The team plans a different approach at the plate during certain situations, utilizing its speed and bunting more than in the past.

Standout shortstop Kelsey Francher, who topped 20 RBI and runs scored in ’08, again anchors the infield, which is filled with familiar faces. Third baseman Olivia Cray, second baseman Becca Morin and first baseman Molly Dussault all return.

Catching, once again, is senior Taylor Buxton, who Medlock said is instrumental both at the plate and behind it.

“The girls aren’t afraid to throw any of their pitches,” said Medlock. “They know Taylor’s going to get it. She also limits the baserunners really well. She gives them a safety blanket back there where she can take care of a lot of mistakes herself.”

During the 2008 regular season, the Generals scored often, but in the quarterfinals against Milford, the offense generated just one run.

Medlock said he believes postseason inexperience partially accounts for that outcome, but for this seasoned group a deeper tournament run is likely in the cards.

“For years we were without a true ace,” said Medlock. “Now we have two of them.”