The St. Edward’s softball team opened up their spring season at the St. Mary’s Rattlers Tournament in San Antonio over the weekend. 

With wins over East Central, Southeast Oklahoma State, and Texas A&M-Kingsville, the Hilltoppers currently have a 3-2 record.

The team is hoping to enter 2014 building off of last year’s success of winning the NCAA South Regional.

Led by big hitters Caitie Carney and Lauren Brode, the Hilltoppers have a strong roster of returners and are looking to compete for a national championship this year.

“With four new players and the additions of freshman outfielders Breah Whitten and Alex Mayfield, we will always have a chance to score,” Head Coach Lindsay Gardner said.

Under the leadership of Gardner and former Olympic gold medalist Cat Osterman, Gardner believes anything is possible.

With the Hilltoppers ranked second in the preseason poll behind rivals St. Mary’s, she believes this team is already highly motivated.

“Our girls make their own goals,” Gardner said. “As a team they decided to add an extra hitting practice to go along with a week that already requires 20 hours of practice.”

Inspired, and with post-season experience under their belts, the Lady Hilltoppers are shooting not only for the Heartland Conference title, but also a run at the national title.

After some impressive performances, including their televised 6-1 victory over Texas in the fall, the Hilltoppers are committed to improving and growing tighter as a group.

“Our team is conformed bottom to top,” Gardner said.

Referring to the fact that everyone on the team keeps each other in check, Gardner highlights the leadership on her team. Whether it is vocal or shown through their performance, the Hilltoppers are ready to compete.

With a starting schedule that will pit them against non-regional opponents, the women will gain valuable experience against unfamiliar foes. This opportunity will provide the Hilltoppers with a playing experience similar to the postseason.

The women will be taking the field in Alabama-Huntsville tournament this weekend, with their next game against Southern Indiana on Friday at noon.