The Dawson County Middle School softball team began practice last week for the upcoming 2015 season. The squad is composed of a combination of players from Dawson County and Riverview middle schools.

The team will be coached by veteran Jeff Compton.

Compton's assistant will be Karen Spencer.

"Despite just practicing a week, I feel very good about this season," Compton said.

The Lady Tigers have several returning players this season. One of those players will be Kayla Sanford, who will handle the pitching duties.

Also returning will be outfielder Chloe Bennett.

"Chloe (Bennett) has great range in the outfield with a great glove," Compton said.

Kendall and Kaselyn Martin will also return and contribute both offensively and defensively.

But even though the Lady Tigers have a strong nucleus, the roster is composed of 10 new players out of the 14 players on the team.

"I am very excited about our 10 new players," Compton said. "The skill of all the new players will be exciting to watch as the season progresses. Within those 10 players, I have several catchers that show potential and want to catch."

The team will also have a new pitcher to complement Sanford.

Carly Lamb will also help with the pitching duties this season.

"Carly shows great potential for this season," Compton said.

"The key to a great team is chemistry. We are early in the season, but I feel really good about the chemistry of the team," he added.

Members of this year's team are: Olivia Pierce, Breanna Crane, Shyla Sheffield, Bella Henson, Lamb, Laney Taylor, Chloe Harper, Ashlynn Anglin, Bennett, Sanford, Kaitlyn Bennett, Kendall Martin, Kaselyn Martin and Annsley Anglin. This year's manager will be Rylie Erickson.

The team will open the season at 4:30 p.m. Aug. 18 against Fannin County at home.