Gone this year is Konner Patterson first-team all-state selection all four years. The third base specialist now is playing at Highland Community College. Catcher Amber McCown now is playing at Southwestern College in Winfield. And the team’s third senior from last year, Kayla Steffey, who also competed in track for the Bulldogs, played right field.

Returning this year are Angela Dailey an outfielder/pitcher who was all-conference as an outfielder and Olivia Carter, who started at second base last year.

Cali Rice, who has been in the program all four years, will see time in the outfield, Patterson said.

Shannon Greene, whose late-inning heroics at regionals last year helped MHS to a state berth, will be on the mound again this year.

Greene hit a game-winning two-run single against the Dragons. She also earned all-state and all-conference accolades last year.

MHS also returns first-team all-stater centerfielder Dominique Tullis and Shelby Turner, who returns at first base.

In total, the Bulldogs lost just two of nine starters.

And, the squad will have transfers and others help fill in gaps.

Lucy McLeary and Jennica Messer will split time at catcher. McLeary transfers from Lawrence Free State and Messer from Basehor-Linwood.

“Both will be pretty solid,” Patterson said. “I’m proud of the hard work they’ve put in.”

Freshman Brooke Vicory, a previously homeschooled student, will pitch for the Bulldogs.

Patterson also looks for returner Abby Hale to play third base.

Kansas State High School Activities Association rules allow for six more games on the regular season slate.

Patterson said Oskaloosa would be a big test for MHS. The archrival Bears have gone to the Class 3A state tourney the last two years and have a standout pitcher.

“We kind of measure ourselves against them at this point,” Patterson said. “Valley Falls is very solid. They’ll look a lot like us. Strong in the circle. Hit ball really well. They’ve got a lot of experience.”

Atchison has been added to the schedule, as has Perry-Lecompton, which will be McLouth’s first opponent.

“We’re going to be tested,” Patterson said. “We ended 19-5 overall last year. We’re gonna have to really work hard to get at that again.”

Patterson enters his 10th year at McLouth. He owns a 177-30 record and has gone to state five times. He hopes his squad can make it a sixth this year with a return to the Class 2A tournament.

“The girls are working pretty hard,” Patterson said. “I’m pretty satisfied with the speed of everything at this point.”