As the Salisbury softball team prepares for the upcoming season, it will be doing so with a new head coach at the forefront.

After a number of disappointing seasons in recent years, including a 1-15 mark in the Colonial League last season, Ken Choquette will take over the reigns looking to turn around the program. The Lady Falcons haven't registered more than four league wins since 2006, the last season they had a winning record in conference at 10-8.

In looking to change the culture of the program, Choquette and his staff understand it begins as the season gets underway this week.

"The number one thing I've been stressing is team unity, and to play as a unified team," Choquette said. "I'm trying to change the whole philosophy and whole culture around softball.

"They've had a tough time over the last couple of years, but everybody I speak to tells me how much talent is on this team," Choquette said. "What I've seen so far, I totally agree with that."

For Choquette, he'll be bringing back a number of experienced players from last season's team. The Lady Falcons graduated just two seniors in Kayleigh Dottery and Sarah Rogers.

Other than those two, the Lady Falcons will return much of last season's team. Leading the way is junior Meghan Williams, an All Colonial League Second Team selection in 2013 who was the team's most productive hitter in 2013.

Junior Jenna Keet, also one of the Lady Falcons' top hitters in the box, is back looking to build off her 2013 season.

"We have three strong juniors on the team," Choquette said in reference to Williams, Keet and Thayla Creswell. "Those three are powerhouse players. They really kind of drive the energy of the team."

Creswell, a Colonial League honorable mention selection last year, is back behind home plate for the Lady Falcons. She'll be signaling for junior pitcher Melissa Kugler again this season. Sophomore Abby Garrigan and freshman Brooke Rogers will also see time on the mound.

"I think the pitching staff, even though they might not be the fastest throwers, I think they have very good control and will be able to keep us in games that way," Choquette said. "Having a staff of three gives me a lot more options of how to use the pitching staff to get us there."

Kelly Garrigan returns and leads a group of five seniors including herself, Courtney Goletz, Kori Hadinger, Paige Ackerman and Aubry Miller.

"I believe both Meagan [Williams] and Thayla [Creswell], along with Jenna [Keet], and I'm very confident with Melissa [Kugler], they are four of the top leaders in terms of what they can do with the bat and their solid defense," Choquette said.

The Lady Falcons have been searching for that comeback season for quite some time now. And despite being named the head coach just a few months ago, Choquette believes this group has the talent to advance into postseason play.

"Obviously, the goal is to make the postseason," Choquette said. "Based on the talent I see, I can't see us not making the postseason and getting into districts and trying to make a showing in there."

The Lady Falcons are scheduled to travel to Palisades on Wednesday for a 4 p.m. start, the team's first scheduled league game of the season.