SPOKANE, Wash. - A new era is beginning for the women's softball program at Whitworth College. The Pirates will have six new starters out in the field, not to mention the team will be playing for new head coach Fuzzy Buckenberger. Yet in spite of all the newness, the team is refocusing on the old stand byes to achieve success in 2006.

"We have emphasized solid fundamentals, the team chemistry is excellent and the kids' work ethic is outstanding," said Buckenberger when describing what will lead to success this season.

Nine new players will be suiting up for the Pirates this season, yet a few recognizable faces will lead the way.

Two-time All-Northwest Conference pitcher Jo Sonnett (Sr., Puyallup, Wash. - Emerald Ridge) returns for her senior season. Sonnett is Whitworth's all-time leader in wins (40), complete games (42), shutouts (13) and strikeouts (358), just to name a few stats. While Sonnett anchors the pitching duties, she will not be alone in the circle. Heather Case (So., Poulsbo, Wash. - North Kitsap), who was a First Team All-NWC utility player last year, could see more pitching time this year. She was 3-2 with a 2.62 ERA last year. Jennifer Eckhoff (So., Irvine, Calif.) has really impressed Buckenberger during the off season and should throw much more than the 12 innings she did last year. Michelle Tully (Fr., Spokane, Wash.), a GSL standout at Gonzaga Prep last year, gives the Pirates solid depth in 2006.

Lindsay Davis (Jr., Lake Forest, Calif.) returns for her third season as a starter behind the plate. She had two home runs last year and also threw out eight base runners while earning Honorable Mention All-NWC honors. Newcomer Sarah Froman (Fr., Lake Stevens, Wash.)l, will be able to provide solid back up at catcher.

Other than shortstop, the starting positions along the infield still need to be worked out, but it isn't for lack of talent. Kristin Hanson (Sr., Hamilton, Mont.) will start at short for the fourth year in a row. A great defensive player, Hanson made only six errors in 106 plays last season.

Case and Froman will battle for playing time at third base, according to Buckenberger. The same situation appears at second base, where veteran Nikki Cavalier (RS Jr., Meadow Vista, Calif.) and newcomer Stephanie Helbling (Fr., Moscow, Idaho) are challenging each other for playing time.

Impressive newcomer Sarah Rylaarsdam (Fr., Mount Vernon, Wash.) could become a starter at first base. But returnee Chelsea Combs (Sr., Kettle Falls, Wash.) may have something to say about that once she settles in after spending the winter playing for the Whitworth basketball team.

The outfield is where Whitworth fans will see the most change. All three starters will be new in 2006. According to Buckenberger, Jodi Schock (Jr., Spokane, Wash.), a transfer from the Community Colleges of Spokane, looks good to start in center field. But the other two positions are still up for grabs.

Rachel Anderson (Fr., Renton, Wash.), Charlotte Psick (Fr., Medical Lake, Wash.), Mandee Edwards (Fr., Kettle Falls, Wash.), Amy Mattie (Sr., Port Angeles, Wash.) and Helbling all seem to be in the mix for starting / playing time in either left or right field.

Buckenberger knows there are challenges facing him and the team as they begin this new era in Whitworth softball.

"We certainly don't know anything about the level of competition we will see from our opponents, especially in the Northwest Conference," he said. "But right now, it's more important for us to be focused on what we do, and our players have really developed into fundamentally sound players. And with our pitching we will have plenty to work with."

The Pirates open the season on February 25th when they host NCAA Division II Northwest Nazarene in a double header at Diana Marks Field. The conference opening series is March 3-4 against Pacific University, also at home.