Mehlville Senior High School varsity softball fans should be excited about the prospect of a second consecutive winning season.

Last year, the Panthers were 11-10 and they are looking to build on that success for the 2013 season.

Head coach Kristin Wheatley told the Call that even though there are some pretty big spots to fill, she expects to have some success.

The hardest hit the team took was in its defense, according to Wheatley.

“We lost five seniors from last season, including our starting pitcher, so it’s definitely going to be a restructuring year,” she said.

One positive helping move things along in the preseason is the readiness level of the returning players and their willingness and ability to help the newcomers.

“The veterans are communicating a lot and helping the new girls learn the system,” Wheatley said. “Things are going better than expected. They all have confidence in each other.”

With returners Kayla Hezel at shortstop, Amber Koch at center and Jennifer Pennington at left field, the Panthers have position players on the field that help round things out across the field.

Wheatley identified what she envisions as the strengths for the 2013 season.

“They are learning very quickly and they all have a positive attitude and a common goal, so there’s no egos to contend with,” she said. “Hitting has been good, so that’s a strength, too.