By Al Stilley
Senior staff writer

Center Grove and Roncalli are among the highly regarded 4A teams in the state as the new softball season gets underway.

Even with only two seniors among several returnees, Center Grove appears primed to make another run at a state championship after falling one win short of reaching the title game last year. Coach Russ Milligan’s Trojans won 28 games last year.

Roncalli graduated only two seniors and returns to the diamond with 10 letter winners.
Most Southside teams are reloading as the season gets into full swing next week when Beech Grove, Greenwood, Lutheran and Manual see their first taste of action.

Last week, Roncalli edged Martinsville 2-1 in eight innings. After seven scoreless innings, Scout Leffler and Sam Curtis each drove in a run. The Rebels defeated Ritter 10-0 in five innings in their second home game.

Perry Meridian opened with some hot bats as the Falcons beat Pike 18-0 in five innings with a 13-hit attack. The Falcons and Southport could be considered dark horses when the state tournament begin.
Greenwood Christian could surprise in 1A.
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Top seniors to watch include Center Grove shortstop and Miss Indiana Softball candidate Jordyn Rudd, Perry Meridian catcher Makiah Thomas, Roncalli’s Lauren Fey and pitcher Jordan Jenkins, Beech Grove’s Reecie Gilliam, Greenwood Christian Academy’s Amelia Walters and Grace Apgar, Lutheran’s Katie Hopkins and junior pitchers Abby Herbst and Katie Back, also a good hitter, of Center Grove.
The team-by-team outlook (with 2017 won-lost record and statistics): 
​Center Grove plans to keep rolling
​Franklin Central has ingredients for another strong year
​Greenwood to play small and add up runs
​Perry Meridian hopes to keep the offense going
​Roncalli returns plenty of talent
​​Southport aims to improve off .500 season
​Beech Grove expects more with older team
​Manual has goal for a winning season
​Cougars seeking next step
​Saints prepare for postseason with loaded schedule

Center Grove (28-2) – Won record-tying 21st sectional and state record 15th regional but upset in semistate … record six state titles; five with coach Russ Milligan … lost six seniors with 50 percent of offense, including Maddie Keeley (IUPUI), .368, and Lexi Gaffney (Franklin College), .364 … senior Jordyn Rudd (.667, 62 hits, 58 RBIs) moves to shortstop … junior pitcher Abby Herbst (16-1, 1.02 ERA; .625, 55 hits, 62 RBIs) now throws to sophomore Lexi Fair (.370) … pitching depth from sophs Brooke York and Lauren Wackerly  … solid infield finds leadoff hitter Piper Belden (.468, 44 hits) at second, senior Brittany York at first and soph Kaci Finchum at third … outfield starts with senior Clara Anderson in center and Addison Osborn (.400) in right … face Roncalli in showdown today.
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Coach’s comments: “With the key players we have back, it’s hard not to be optimistic. Jordyn Rudd and Abby Herbst are the real deal; they are superstars who elevate everyone around them. Our three seniors were in the varsity dugout for the ’15 state championship, so they know what it takes. They are singular and focused. We have rotated some players around. We’re more of a long-ball hitting team this season. We can make up for lack of speed by being smart on the bases. The county and conference always are goals, but it’s all in preparation for the big picture and that’s to hang another banner on the outfield wall.”