CLEVELAND - After a disappointing finish to the 2009 campaign, the 2010 Delta State University softball team will return seven starters, including seven seniors from a team that finished 27-24.  The Lady Statesmen begin that quest on Wednesday at 3 p.m., as Delta State hosts LSU-Alexandria to open the season at University Field.

Coach Charles expects solid play and leadership from her seven seniors. “Five of those seniors have been with the program for a while, and they know what we as coaches expect from them. They realize how tough it is to win in this league. I hope we are able to send them out on a positive note,” said Charles.

Two seniors return who were named to the 2009 All-Gulf South Conference Team. Shortstop Brittany Eikner was named to the First Team after a career-best five home runs and 27 RBIs. The slick fielder also hit .280, while committing a mere four errors last season.

Also returning is Second Team All-GSC pitcher Edie Oliver. Oliver finished with an 18-12 mark, as she earned career-highs in appearances, wins, strikeouts and innings pitched. Oliver finished 10th in the league with 127 strikeouts as well. The Eupora native also finished third in the league with 206.2 innings pitched.

Also returning with high expectations is senior Courtney Clark. The Sheridan, Ark., native was one of only two Lady Statesmen to hit above .300 with a .303 batting average last season. Clark ranks eighth all-time at DSU with 14 career home runs and ranks ninth with 93 career RBIs.

Brooke Allgood, the leading home run hitter from the 2009 team returns. The Wallace State CC transfer hit seven bombs to lead the team in her first year with the program.

Anchoring third base for the Lady Statesmen is another former All-GSC selection, Chelsea Carr. The middle infielderbatted .256 with one home run and 12 RBIs during her junior season.

The Lady Statesmen will also expect solid seasons from first baseman Paige Silverthorn, catcher Kim Hensley and utility player Emily Hearn.

Charles returns her entire pitching staff, including senior Kate Moreland. The hard-throwing right hander finished 2009 with a 5-7 mark. Moreland pushed herself into the DSU record book as well, moving into 10th place all-time with 155 career strikeouts.

Adding to the 2010 staff will be freshman Brittany Gonzalez. The Denham Springs, La., native was named to the 4A-All-State Team as a pitcher at Live Oak HS in 2008 and 2009.

Nikki D'Aurelio and Crista Richard are junior college transfers who will look to crack their way into the starting lineup this season. D'Aurelio batted .313 with 22 RBIs in at North Central Missouri College, while Richard was named All-Conference during her career at Alabama Southern CC.

Freshman infielder Taylor Hughes will also challenge for a spot in Charles' lineup. The Morton native saw extensive playing time during fall practice at second base.

With senior leadership, along with several talented newcomers, the Lady Statesmen will look to contend for the Gulf South Conference title and a spot in the NCAA Tournament this year.