“Overall our talent level is 100 percent better than last year with the new kids who have come in and the improvement of the younger classes,” Montgomery said. “There are so many different options of being able to put players in different places. I really like where we’re headed this year.”
The Cardinals will rely upon shortstop Shelby Hunt, .408, 23 RBIs, 17 stolen bases, four home runs; second baseman Carly Rees, .308, 24 hits; third baseman Kayla Fox, 15 RBIs; and outfielder Allie Owens, .354, 35 hits.
Senior Haley Keen (7-10, 3.72 ERA) is the No. 1 pitcher with backup from sophomores Brittany Fisher and Abby Pendleton and freshman Maddie Knight.
Montgomery is aided by father-assistant coach Steve Montgomery, who mentored the Cardinals from 1984-2004.