The CHS softball team opens its season with three games prior to Spring Break at Fishers and Hamilton Southeastern before its home opener on March 31 against Chatard. Head Coach Emily Good said the Hounds will try to use the first three games of the season to determine what they are doing well and also what skills need work.

“(We will) just kind of get a feel for where we are at this point in the season. The first few games kind of solidify what we need to improve upon,” Good said. “Our goal as a team is always to make sure we’re competitive and playing our best ball at the end of the season. So we’re just trying to fine-tune things during the regular season.”

Staying competitive is one thing the Hounds shouldn’t have to worry about as 11 varsity players return and enter the year ranked number-2 in the state behind Center Grove. Jordan Oberndorfer, third baseman and senior, said the Hounds’ veteran roster is invaluable.

“It’s a huge advantage. We have a lot of experience at the varsity level and leadership positions because we are all older,” Oberndorfer said. “We all know what to expect and know what kind of pressure is put on us at the varsity level.”

Good said despite the additional expectations associated with the team’s high preseason ranking, she doesn’t believe dealing with pressure will be an issue for the Hounds.

“Being Carmel, everybody comes after us,” Good said.” I’ve told the girls, ‘We expect to get everybody’s A-game as it is.’ Having the rankings, it’s no different for us.” By Andrew Browning <[email protected]>