A year ago, the Salisbury softball team put together its best season in nearly a decade. The Lady Falcons (10-6 in Colonial League, 13-8 overall) clinched their first district appearance since the 2006 season.

When the 2015 season begins next week, the Lady Falcons figure to be in the running for back-to-back district appearances in Class AA with much of last year's talent returning.

"The players realize that based on their talent level, they can play with any team and they can win," second-year head coach Ken Choquette said. "Their confidence is growing day by day. When they start to see just what they are capable of and realize that, they know how to play this game and play it well."

Senior infielder Meghan Williams is a returning upperclassman that will be key in replacing five graduates from a year ago. Kelly Garrigan (a Colonial League honorable mention selection at first base) has graduated, as did Paige Ackerman, Courtney Goletz, Kori Hadinger and Aubry Miller.

Williams was a Colonial League selection last season, earning a spot on the Second Team.

A league honorable mention selection, senior catcher Thayla Creswell was also one of the Falcons' top hitters a year ago. Her and senior infielder Melissa Kugler also figure to be pivotal pieces in molding a team together that includes seven new faces, five of which are freshmen.

"We have better speed this year," Choquette said. "I want to see us utilize that speed both on offense and defense."

"We lost those five seniors, but added five younger well-trained underclassmen," Choquette said. "On paper we are in a better position than last year. Now we have to put it on the field and get to work."

In addition to those five graduating seniors, the Falcons won't return senior outfielder Jenna Keet (a Colonial League Second Team all-star in 2014) and junior pitcher Abby Garrigan due to other obligations.

Sophomore Brooke Rogers is the Falcons' lone returning starting pitcher from a year ago. Freshmen Laura Costello also figures to see time on the mound without Garrigan returning to the team.

The pitching staff may be young and inexperienced, but Choquette believes they'll be able to remain competitive.

"We have a young pitching staff," said Choquette, "but they are working very hard to improve their control and game management."

Freshman infielder/outfielder Anna Bishop, freshman infielder/catcher Lilia Crouthamel, freshman infielder/outfielder Katherine Gilligan, freshman outfielder/infielder Jacara Smith and sophomore outfielder Savanna Christman are all newcomers in 2015.

The Falcons' season-opener is on Monday at home against Pen Argyl. Game time is schedule for 4 p.m.

"Our goals this year are simple play competitive softball to the best of our physical and mental abilities, strive for more quality at bats, and win pitch-by-pitch," Choquette said.