Given that Fatima graduated five of its infielders, including the hard-throwing Cassie Conley and the hard-hitting Nicole Zima, and has a new coach at the helm, the Tigers certainly enter the new season with more than a few question marks. But rookie coach Lyndsey DeTroia doesn’t plan on lowering the bar set by last year’s team, which secured its second Division III championship in three years.

``We are rebuilding with great expectations for the entire team,’’ said the former Toll Gate standout, whose Tigers dropped their season opener to Central last week and fell to Hope on Tuesday. ``These girls have the ability, skill and attitude to play as hard as the girls did last year.’’

Senior Sara Morrison and Junior Meaghan Welford are sharing the pitching duties, with junior Kara Ramsey once again providing the target behind the plate. All three are coming off an exciting basketball campaign, having guided the Tigers to their first appearance in the Division III finals. Senior outfielders and co-captains Brittany Johnson and Alex Sullivan have been leading the team with great enthusiasm, as well, said DeTroia, who has been rotating players at various positions in search of the right combination.

``These past couple of weeks have been very positive, except for the weather,’’ she said. ``Every day I see improvement in each player. All work hard and are eager to play every day. I am proud to be working with such high energy and positive girls.’’