EATON — Maggie Neanen will be fielding her least experienced team since the 2016 season when Eaton’s softball team takes the field for the 2023 spring season.

But that doesn’t mean the Eagles have adjusted their goals of winning the program’s first league title and getting back to the district final.

Neanen begins her ninth season (eighth on the field) and has compiled a 112-64 record.

Eaton, coming off a 13-9 season and a fifth straight trip to the district finals — excluding the 2020 season which was canceled due to COVID — will see four new starters and a fifth with limited experience in the infield and one new starter in the outfield.

The 2016 team featured five freshmen in starting lineup at times, with four starting most of that season. That team lost in the sectional final.

Neanen said the focus will be on getting better each time they take the field.

“With being young and inexperienced in some key positions I think the hope is to get better every practice and honestly every game,” she said. “We will make some mistakes but if we can limit those mistakes, I think we will still have a very good season.”

With a young roster, Eaton will rely on seniors Olivia Baumann (3-year starter in center) Kendall Miller (3-year starter in left), and pitcher Samantha Witte to lead the way.

Baumann holds home run record at Eaton and is a two-time all-league player, who led the team in hitting with a .557 average last season.

“Overall, she is our backbone, we rely on her for a lot,” Neanen said.

Miller is also a two-time all-league player who brings a lot of energy for the team and is a great base runner, according to Neanen.

Witte was second in the league last season in wins.

“We will need her again this season,” Neanen said.

Also back is junior Alexia Morgan, who is recovering from an injury sustained during wrestling season. Morgan will see time in right field, which she started toward the end of last season.

“We are looking forward to getting her back,” Neanen said.

This season Eaton will have newcomers at first base (sophomore Hannah Redick), shortstop (freshman Tai Mize), third base (freshman Madison Copper or sophomore Olivia Orr) and catcher (sophomore Julie Schrimper).

Junior Gracie Copper will be the lone infielder (second base) with any significant varsity experience.

Mize will take over at short this year replacing four-year starter Allison Mowen.

“Tai brings a bulldog mentality to the infield and has played a lot of travel ball, so she is a freshman with a lot of talent, and she tends to not play like a freshman,” Neanen said. “We expect big things from her at short this year.

Madison Copper — sister of Gracie Copper — will play a big role as well.

“Madison is a kid who can play anywhere we need her. She will also find time in the circle as well,” Neanen said.

Orr is a first-year player with a big bat.

“We are looking forward to watching her continue to grow for us at the plate and in the infield,” Neanen said.

They will replace Anna Kramer, who graduated.

Schrimper will handle the catching duties after replacing the since graduated Abbie Bryant.

“Julie will look to be behind the plate this year, she is hard working and extremely coachable and we expect her to lead us from behind the plate,” Neanen said.

Redick moves up from the junior varsity to take over first base for Macy Wright, who graduated.

“Hannah will be our first basemen this year and she will be a big help with leadership,” Neanen said. “Hannah is a great leader and works extremely hard.”

Sophomore Lily Garcia will move to right field.

“Lily works hard, and we expect her to compete for a starting spot in the lineup and help us win some games,” Neanen said.

Joining Witte in the circle will be sophomore Sarah Abner, who saw time last season, as well as Madison Copper.

Despite the youth, Neanen still expects to challenge Carlisle and Brookville for the SWBL West title.

“We are young, but I believe we are talented and we have the talent to compete for a league championship, that is our goal every year. We know we have some challenges coming with Carlisle (returning league champs) and Brookville put we will definitely put up the fight and make it a battle,” Neanen said. “Our team works hard and has great team chemistry, that right there makes a difference when it comes to crunch time. I am looking forward to growing with this team and seeing what we can do, because the talent is certainly there we just have to execute.”

Eaton was scheduled to begin the season on Tuesday, March 28 at Preble Shawnee. They will travel to Middletown Madison on Wednesday and host the Mohawks on Thursday.

The Eagles will close out the week hosting Arcanum for a doubleheader on Saturday beginning at 11 a.m.

Reach Eddie Mowen Jr. at 937-683-4061 and follow on Twitter @emowenjr.