The past few years have been down years for the Charles Henderson Lady Trojans softball team, but head coach Steve Haug sees the potential for a turnaround this season.

“I am real pleased with their attitude and their work ethic,” Haug said. “Most of them came to the workouts and have benefited because they did.”

Haug said another reason for the positive outlook on the season is the acquisition of that much-needed fireball pitcher to complement Nick Jones on the mound.

“We have Melissa (Kennedy), who is a 14-year-old who throws gas,” Haug said. “She has seven pitches and everyone of them moves. She is very impressive and she is the best pitcher I have had in four years. And we have Nick too, so we have a 50 mph pitcher and a 60 mph pitcher. That is a big difference and should help us.”

This year should be different, according to Haug.

“We have had about three years of so-so ball where we have been OK,” Haug said. “But I think this year things will be a little different.”

Jones has taken on a leadership role.

“Nick has really stepped up and she really wants to play centerfield,” Haug said. “She has been working hard and she has come out of her shell and she is talking a lot out there.”

Haug said the Lady Trojans will not run teams to death, but they will good overall speed this year and they will be smart on the bases.

The Lady Trojans open the season at home against Elba Feb. 17.