NATCHEZ — When Miranda Smith won a state championship in softball at Vidalia High School in 2003, she was one of four seniors.

In her third season as softball head coach of Trinity Episcopal Day School, she’s hoping her four Lady Saint seniors can have similar success. Judging from her players’ work ethic and attitude, Smith believes success is attainable with the senior leadership displayed on her team. Smith went as far to say it’s the best group of senior leaders she’s had since taking over at Trinity.

“All four of them are really good players, and they all really want to win,” Smith said. “I can remember when I played. We were the group of seniors that wanted to win so bad, and that’s exactly how they are.”

Sloane Young, a senior centerfielder in the outfield, said the Lady Saints’ four seniors compared to last year’s two could have been a positive or a negative. But because of the character of the individuals involved, it’s been a blessing for Trinity.

“It depends on if they’re leaders or not,” Young said. “You can have leaders that are positive and carry the team and you can have seniors that aren’t positive and weigh the team down. But I feel like we have positive leaders on this team.”

One of the two seniors this team will have to replace is Kayla Gilmore, who recorded a .400 batting average and received a scholarship to play at Holmes Community College last year. Gilmore played shortstop, forcing senior Tali Beard to transition from catcher to shortstop. Beard threw out 20 of 21 attempted base stealers last season, and Smith said eighth grader Taylor Lessley will fill in for Beard behind the plate. As for filling Gilmore’s power in the lineup, Smith said the team isn’t built with power this season, but instead, possesses more speed.

“It’s just going to be kind of a void,” Smith said. “I’m not going to have another power hitter that’s going to be able to fill that spot, but I have some bunters and some speed. It will be a different kind of lineup.”

Pitching inside the circle again this season will be senior Kailey Hutchins, who earned District 7-A All-District First Team last season. Hutchins was thrust into the starting role last season, and Smith said Hutchins earned valuable experience as a result. Hutchins agreed.

“It got me more mentally prepared,” Hutchins said. “It’s not always going to go how you planned it would, but you have to overcome the obstacles and get better.”

As the Lady Saints open the season, Smith hopes Trinity’s well roundedness and experience will provide winning results.