With six experienced seniors, Bishop Chatard is poised to recapture the sectional crown it held for two years before relinquishing it last season to Roncalli in a 3-2 loss.

"These kids have been playing together for a long, long time," said Chatard coach Kim Duncan. "They know each other really well and work well together. They've been through a lot of really tough games together.

"Player for player, it's probably one of the strongest teams we've ever put on the field."

Senior Katie Johnstone, who started every game last year, returns as pitcher. Catcher Erin McCalley and first baseman Monica Hill are also returning seniors. Other seniors are Jessica Zirrillo, a center fielder, and three-year starter Melissa Coutz, a third baseman.

Senior Beth Reed rejoins the team after sitting out last season because of a soccer commitment.

Juniors Lauren Brehm, Molly Stimpson and Amanda Neufer also return.

The Trojans open the season with four games in five days, beginning Tuesday at home against Broad Ripple.

"We should be pretty strong," Duncan said. "If we keep everybody healthy . . . it should be a good year."