Staff photo by Caleb Brinton. Front row, left to right: Lexi Sundeen, Gabby Leiding, Haleigh Grotzinger, Saige Leiding, Maddy Landin, Abi Sundeen, Sydney York. Back row, left to right: Reese Fenske, Brylee Miller, Ilana Moeller, Makenzie Lowry, Gwyneth Schultz, Makayla Lowry, Jadyn Musser, Bria Williamson.

FAIRMONT — After a 12-12 season last year, the Fairmont Cardinals softball team is back in action looking to finish above that mark this year.

Looking to get over the .500 hump, the Cardinals are focusing on the basics and the small-ball game.

“We are focusing on fundamentals, as everything else builds off of them,” said Fairmont head coach Cory Hainy. “We’re also working to improve our small-ball game, bunting and baserunning, as we expect to have good team speed this year.”

Fairmont is returning eight of its top 10 players: Brylee Miller, Gabby Leiding, Makayla Lowry, Maddy Landin, Ilana Moeller, Mackenzie Lowry, Abi Sundeen, and Haleigh Grotzinger. All of these players were part of the team that won two section playoff games last season.

As the opening day of the season approaches, the Cardinals will continue to strive for improvement and build on last season’s success.

“We always have the goal of personal improvement,” said Hainy. “But in terms of team outcome goals, we’d like to improve on last year’s record and contend for the conference and section championships. Our mantra this year is 100. It means giving 100% effort 100% of the time.”

Looking at Fairmont’s roster, there is more to it than just the returning eight. Saige Leiding, Gwyneth Schultz, and Lexi Sundeen also bring varsity experience.

Four players, Jadyn Musser, Sydney York, Reese Fenske, and Bria Williamson are also vying for varsity play time.

The Cardinals’ versatility and depth will be key to building on last year’s successes.

Softball is a mental and physical game, and the coaching staff aims to foster a positive attitude and the ability to be ready to play when your name is called.

“While ability is obviously important, nothing takes you further than effort and attitude,” said Hainy. “No matter what you are doing in life. One of our strengths on this team is the fact that we have many very versatile players. Name any position and we have three or four players who can effectively play there. This versatility is as much a mental attitude as it is a physical skill the girls have to be willing and ready to play wherever we ask them to play.”

The Cardinals open the season against Marshall at 5:30 p.m. Friday.