The Triton Softball Team will be leaning on experienced players as they open their 2023 season.

The No. 3 (ICCAC) pre-season ranked Tritons will return eight sophomores this season and begin play Friday versus nationally ranked No. 2 (NJCAA DII) Murray State College of Oklahoma in Denison, Texas.

Leaning on the experience of First Team All-Region outfielder Riley Gilroy who led in batting average and home runs in the 2022 season, Second Team All-Region outfielder Olivia Harmon and infielders Jori Hajek and Amber McKinney and honorable mention infielder Sydney Ballard, the Tritons have their eyes set on reaching post season play.

"We are returning Riley (Gilroy), she led us in batting average and home runs last season, as well as three girls from second team all-region and one honorable mention player," said Head Softball Coach Bo Tjebben. "Every year we have a goal of finishing top two in the conference, getting through regionals and making the national tournament."

With a pre-season rank of third in the ICCAC, Tjebben and his squad know the work they have ahead of them to reach those goals.

"Our conference is one of the toughest out there," said Tjebben. "Anyone in JUCO softball will tell you (the ICCAC) is the best conference in the nation."

Sophomore Taylor Lee and  Freshman Katie Dennis will be on the mound for the Tritons this season. Sophomore Myra Megli also returns for a second season in the Triton line-up.

"We've got a really good, fun group of girls this season," said Assistant Coach Cassie Tjebben. "They work hard and have high expectations and we are all really excited to get outdoors and back on the field."

The Tritons begin their season on the road in warmer states on February 10  and are slated to begin play at home with a series of games versus Ellsworth and Marshalltown on March 18.