2007 Record: 29-7 (10-2 NEMC)

Coach: Dave Lesinski

Returning athletes: Jill Fountain, sr., CF; Courtney McKenzie, sr., LF; Jenna Plude, sr., UT; Michelle Revord, sr., RF; Courtney Bissonette, jr., 2B; Katie LaHaye, jr., C; Nikki Stein, jr., P; Rachel Adaline, so., 3B.

New to varsity: Cassie Bush, jr., UT; Lindsey Wilson, jr., UT; Christie Cooper, fr., SS; Lyndsey Look, fr., 1B/P.

Outlook: Tawas Area returns with a wealth of talent and a lofty (No. 7 in Division 3) pre-season state ranking, but heads into the 2008 with plenty to prove. The Braves' 1-0 loss to Whittemore-Prescott in last year's district tournament still stings, and while many favor Tawas to win the NEMC softball title, there is still the fact that Pinconning's string of 21 straight championships is still very much alive.

Coach Dave Lesinski, in his 11th season, admits that the state ranking puts a bullseye on the Braves' backs, and the lack of outdoor practice time that has plagued every local team makes the beginning of the season a crapshoot.

Still, most teams would love to be in the Braves' position. They return an all-state honorable mention pitcher in junior Nikki Stein (29-7, 1.21 ERA, 285 strikeouts in 220 innings), and she's just one of eight returning players on this experienced club.

Senior right fielder Michelle Revord (.443, 22 RBIs and 19 stolen bases), and junior catcher Katie LaHaye (.347, 2 home runs, 22 RBIs and moving behind the plate from first base the past two years) were both all-NEMC, district and regional first-teamers, while centerfielder Jill Fountain (16 steals) earned second-team all-league honors, sophomore third baseman Rachel Adaline was honorable mention. Courtney McKenzie (.275) started in left field last year, while Courtney Bissonette and Jenna Plude also return.

“It doesn't look good for the team to get outside before their first game (April 7),” says assistant coach Keith Frank. “(Hopefully) indoor practice will have the team prepared and ready to go.”