After making an appearance in last year's AISA state softball tournament, the young Greenville Academy Tornados are seeking to

make the playoffs again.

The softball team has four seniors on the squad and head coach Gary Wayne Bowen said they will have to step up and be leaders.

"The seniors will have to provide the leadership for this year's team," Bowen said. "Their experience is definitely a factor."

The seniors on the team are Star Burt, Allison Bozeman, Vicki Burt and Lindsey Maraman.

"All the seniors are talented and I'm fortunate to have such players on the team," he said.

Although the team has its leaders, GA sports a youthful team that lacks playing experience.

Numerous seventh, eighth

and ninth graders are making their debut on the team.

Seventh graders like Brianne Black have caught Bowen's eye for their talent.

"Like some of the other players, Brianne has a lot of potential. Once they get the experience on the playing field, we start to find out how good they are," the coach said.

Bowen added that the team is doing well in practice.

"We're working on fundamentals and plays," Bowen said. "This is the time we find who belongs at what position on the field."

Bowen has been

coaching the Tornado softball team for nine years now.

"I enjoy coaching in general," Bowen said. "Softball provides a more relaxing and laid back atmosphere than some of the other sports."

On the field, Bowen and assistant coach Peyton Autrey continue to practice while anticipating the start of the season.

"They are all working hard in practice," Autrey concluded.