The varsity Lady Wildcat softball team is up to bat for another season.

With 12 players (eight returning), Head Coach Kenny Allen said the team has a “good mix” of upper- and lower-classmen.

“It will be fun to watch the older girls start to lead our younger girls and (to) watch (the younger girls) get comfortable and come together as one unit,” Allen added.

Throughout its three-year career, the current team has secured more than 85 wins, according to Allen.

This season, the team is striving to avoid getting too comfortable and fighting to improve with every single game.

“That being said, our Number One goal is to really hit our stride and our peak come tournament time, at the end of May,” Allen said.

While Allen said the team excels at pitching, he mentioned they are working to improve their hitting abilities.

“We need to improve that across our lineup and become a little more consistent at driving the ball,” he added.

Among the team’s leading Wildcats, Allen is counting on senior pitchers Hannah Vachon and Kaitlyn Bean, senior Lauren Donaldson and junior Chloe Allen.

“All four of them have a fantastic work ethic. They each show great leadership and overall talent and abilities,” Allen said.

The team is working to improve itself both on and off the field, according to Allen, who said the team has participated in a number of community service projects so far this year.

“We’re also working to get into a ‘service’ mindset, where we’re serving each other. It’s not about what this team can do for you, but what you can do for the team and for your teammates. We’re really starting to work on those life principles,” Allen said.

The team is off to a great start this season, touting a 2-1 overall record

On April 12, the team knocked off Romeo on the home field in a double-header.

In the first game, Oxford beat Romeo 3-2 with the help of some stellar pitching from Bean. Bean gave up two hits and had 14 strikeouts. Alexis Cardona had three hits and an RBI while Vachon and Donaldson each collected two hits.

In the second game, Oxford secured another 4-2 victory over Romeo.

Vachon and Donaldson continued their hot-hitting with each adding two hits and an RBI. Cardona and Kenzie Miller each had an RBI. Vachon pitched seven innings and had 10 strikeouts.

Next up, the Lady Cats will face the Stoney Creek Cougars at Stoney Creek High (6755 Sheldon Rd.) in Rochester Hills on April 19. Games start at 4:30 and 6 p.m.