The Knights have started the season with big expectations, hoping to continue to improve in Region 2, which is loaded with talent.

Eisenhower has a couple of big reasons to feel like it is becoming competitive again. First of all, the Knights finished 3-4 in region play overall last year. Secondly, Eisenhower has a large roster with experience all over the lineup.

“We don’t have to worry about filling many holes from last season’s team as we only lost one player to graduation,” Eisenhower head coach Rich Pascuzzi said recently. “Taylor Napolitan was such a leader for us. I’m confident our seniors will step up. We return our core players.”

The Knights bring back a lineup loaded with experience, including three four-year lettermen in their infield in second baseman Abigail Grunden, first baseman Kailee Morrison and third baseman Lillian Smythe. The experience continues for the Knights with third-year players Payton Frank in center field, Julia Gesing at catcher, Tracey Jakubczack at shortstop, pitcher Callie Benson, who may also play left field, Makayla Johnson in right field, Aliza Olsen in right field and Callie Chapman at second base. The Knights will also be counting on the return of junior pitcher Emily Jones.

Eisenhower also has a large number of freshmen girls who will be pushing to get on the field: pitcher/shortstop Kendra Danielson, pitcher/left fielder Samantha Childs, pitcher/second baseman Lainey Font, pitcher/third baseman Alexis Pascuzzi, catcher Ariana Oaks, left fielder/pitcher Haley Highhouse, first baseman Emma Wynn, third baseman Avalynne Russell, center fielder Haley Mueller, outfielder Emily Hagadorn, outfielder Layla Edwards, outfielder Kaitlyn Johnson, outfielder Kylie Williams and infielder Olivia Wallace.

If the Knights can eliminate some of their growing pains from last year that would be OK with Pascuzzi.

“Our team goal is to learn from last year and compete for a chance to get in the playoffs,” Pascuzzi said. “If we hit the ball like we are capable of and continue to eliminate the mental mistakes, then I certainly like our chances.”

For the first time in many years the Knights have a strong class of freshmen that will pay dividends down the road, which will be the building blocks of future teams, but make no mistake, “these Lady Knights are ready to play,” Pascuzzi added.