Kelly third baseman Heather Beggs stretches for a ground ball while shortstop Londyn Backfisch looks on at a recent practice (Photos by David Jenkins, Staff)

BENTON -- After finishing third in the Class 2 state tournament in 2007, the 2008 Kelly Lady Hawks softball team is ready for another shot at No. 1.

"Yeah, I think we have the potential to make another state run," said head coach Rhonda Ratledge. "We're very excited and we're working hard."

Ratledge and the Lady Hawks lost just one senior to graduation last season, Sarah Ruff, who was the everyday center fielder. Ruff is now a member of the Three Rivers Lady Raiders softball squad.

Ashley Flahardy, the regular right field starter for Ratledge in 2007 has also left the team after moving to Illinois over the summer.

Returning starters from the state squad are Londyn Backfisch, Hailey Glastetter, Jessica Riley, Heather Beggs and Brittany Brantley.

Katee Moore

"I've got five pitchers, two seniors, Riley and Beggs, one junior, Danielle Dock, one sophomore, Kristen Powell and a sophomore, Taylor Fodge," said Ratledge. "Brantley's going to wrap up the duties behind the plate. I watched her play some summer games and that little girl can book it to second base. And, her pickoffs are really, really good."

Ratledge is pretty high on her incoming freshman hurler Fodge as well, stating that "she's going to be a good little pitcher."

The roster consists of six seniors, four juniors, five sophomores and five freshmen.

The Lady Hawks will once again take part in the Notre Dame Invitational Sept. 5 and 6 as well as the Jackson Invitational which takes place Sept. 20.

Notable games on the schedule for Kelly are Notre Dame, Poplar Bluff, Oran and Jackson which all take place in succession right before the district tournament begins on Oct. 9.

Opening day for the Lady Hawks is Aug. 25 on the road against East Carter County at 4 p.m. Sept. 4 marks the home opener as the Cape Central Lady Tigers come to town at 4 p.m.