One step forward, one step backward. That seems to be the motto of the Salisbury softball team as of late.

After qualifying for the district tournament in 2014, Salisbury failed to return to that stage a year later and finished 7-10 in the Colonial League. Last year was a bounce-back season for the Lady Falcons, who made both postseason tournaments and earned 14 wins.

They’re hoping that this spring season, however, ends with these Lady Falcons taking another step forward under second-year coach Jeff Appleman. He certainly isn’t setting the goals short for his experienced team.

“Our goals will be to win the Colonial League and districts, and advance in the state tournament,” Appleman said. “Our goals will always be the same every year.”

The Lady Falcons will have to do so without their leading hitter from a year ago in Rachel Costantini, who batted .353 with 23 runs scored and three homeruns. Other key graduates include: Emily Batman (.300 average with 24 hits and eight stolen bases), Sarah Reilly (.291 average with 16 hits) and Jess Safi.

But the returning firepower, both on the pitching mound and in the batter’s box, hopes to be a big factor in Salisbury improving on last year’s second place finish in the Colonial League’s West Division. The Lady Falcons will also be in search of a playoff win after two early tournament exits in 2016.

“We expect to be strong in all phases: pitching, hitting and fielding,” Appleman said. “We expect them to be mentally tough. We have more than one pitcher this year, which will be a positive.”

Senior Brooke Rogers returns as Salisbury’s ace on the mound after she picked up 14 wins with 51 strikeouts last year. But she’ll have some help this year with Emily Silberman becoming a threat on the mound as well in her first high school season.

Offensively, Rogers is one of Salisbury’s top returning hitters as well with a .333 average and 22 runs scored in 2016. Anna Bishop (24 RBIs and 19 hits), Lil Crouthamel (.303 average with 23 hit s and 18 runs scored), Morgan Goletz (.298 average with 17 hits) and Peyton Stauffer (.300 average with 18 hits and seven stolen bases) also return after starting last year. Sara Lamana hit .350 as well and will see an increased role this spring.

One area the Lady Falcons will have to work on this season is their mental approach to the game day in and day out. While there are plenty of experienced players returning throughout the lineup, there are also some newcomers and younger players that will be relied upon to fill voids of those that have graduated.

In addition to the freshman Silberman joining Rogers on the mound, Appleman will welcome four newcomers to the team: Marisol Rosario, Joana Hatzis, Kaitlyn Keller and Lisette Shields.

“We are a young team, [so] I would think the mental toughness will be something we stress,” Appleman said. “Game situations and approach to the game will be something we work on also.”

Salisbury travels to defending Colonial League champion Bangor to open its league schedule next Monday. Game time is 4:15 p.m.