Coach: Sam Harrison

2005 Record: 29-10 (8-4 North East Michigan Conference)

Returning athletes: Kelli Barriger, sr., P/IF (.322, 41 R, pitching 14-3); Kaylon Leslie, jr. 3B (.422, 48 R, 40 RBI); Theresa Janish, jr., P (.325, pitching 15-7, 1.05 ERA); Julie Janish, so., SS (.314); Andrea Rahkola, sr, OF; Kristie Degesie, sr., OF; Sarah Schmidt, sr., OF. Leslie was all-state honorable mention, 2nd-team all-NEMC; Theresa Janish 1st-team all-NEMC; Julie Janish 2nd-team all-NEMC and Barriger honorable mention.

New to varsity: Madie O'Farrell, jr.; Kayla Wilson, jr.; Ashley Foco, jr.; Sharesse King, so.

2006 Outlook: Other teams have more returning than the Cardinals' five starters - at least numerically. But anyone would be happy to count W-P's quintet as part of their team. It starts with the pitching tandem of Kelli Barriger (14-3) and Theresa Janish (15-7, 1.05 ERA). Kaylon Leslie was the team's leading hitter at .422, driving in 40 runs and scoring 47 while earning all-state honorable mention as a sophomore third-baseman. Sophomore shortstop Julie Janish was solid as a freshman, and senior centerfielder Andrea Rahkola returns for her fourth varsity season.

Experience, pitching and the athleticism of his team will make Sam Harrison's bunch a formidable group. But there is room for growth, which will determine if W-P can improve on last year's playoff run.

"We are working to improve all aspects of our game, especially decision-making," Harrison says. "We would like to win our districts and get another shot at a regional title."