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The Fairfield Indians softball team is fielding a lot of young talent this spring after saying goodbye to some proven standouts.

Despite the influx of new players, the Indians are expecting the same old success.

Despite losing second team all-Ohio pitcher Mindi Breitholle and three other starters, Fairfield remains focused.

"I don't like to say we'll be young and inexperienced because we have experience," head coach Brenda Steiger said. "We have the same goals as always and that is to win the (Greater Miami Conference) title and to do well in the tournament."

The Indians fell just short of their goal a year ago, placing runner-up to Lakota West in the GMC.

"We've come in second in the league the past few years," Steiger said. "Ultimately, that's our first goal."

The Indians finished 23-5 last season, advancing to the Division I regioal finals for the second straight season. They dropped a 2-0 decision to Hamilton to miss out on a trip to state.

"As always, we're looking to

do the best that we can," senior infielder Asha Fox said. "And of course to make it as far in the tournament as we can."

Fox, a University of Dayton signee, is the only returning starter who was a member of the all-conference team. She led the Indians with a .366 batting average.

Fox is even more motivated this season because her younger sister Jaisa is on the varsity roster.

"It will be kind of fun

playing with my freshman

sister," Asha said. "We seem to be building a lot of good team camaraderie, which has a lot to do with how the season goes."

Jaisa will join an elite and small group of Indians have ever dressed varsity as a freshman for Stieger.

"We're going to be inexperienced on the mound with Jaisa and junior Samantha Daniels," Steiger said. "We will be good, but inexperienced as far as varsity pitching."

It will be up to the youngsters to pick up the slack for Breitholle, who recorded 14 wins in the circle last season.

Steiger also is relying on third baseman Erin Coyle and Lindsay Traxler to help carry the load as the young team gets their feet wet.

The Indians kick off

their season Monday against

Princeton.

Contact this reporter at (513)

755-5128 or dheil@Coxohio.com.