Coming off a 10-9 record in the 2010 regular season, the varsity softball team will take on the West Potomac Wolverines tonight at Ossian Hall Park. Though this is the Atoms’ first game of the 2011 spring season, the team has much experience, with 11 of last year’s 13 varsity players returning to the team. Of these 11 players, three are seniors; Kelly Hughes, Brittney Terry and Izzy Yaroch.

“I know West Potomac will be fired up because they lost to South County the other night,” Head Coach Chris Tippins said,

Junior Jessica Hotter also anticipates a tough match-up against the Wolverines.

“The game is going to be really difficult, so we need to stay focused throughout the whole game,” Hotter said.

Despite their belief that West Potomac will prove a strong opponent, many Atoms have a positive outlook for this season.

“I think if we come out and play to our potential and get a lot of hits we can win,” senior captain Kelly Hughes said.

However, the Atoms also realize that many of their Patriot District rivals, including West Potomac, will prove to be a challenge.

Junior Kayla Meadows said, ”There are a lot of good teams in the district this year, but as long as we give it 100 percent, we will do well. I think we’re ready and prepared to beat them.”

Overall, the team has high hopes for this season.

“Our team’s goal is to win the Patriot District,” said Tippins. “I think we have the right pieces to do that, as long as we don’t make mental mistakes.”

Tippins is also confident that his team will do well if they limit their mistakes and keep focused throughout the season. He said, “I think that the game tomorrow will be challenging but I’m confident in my team’s ability.”

Although they have yet to begin their regular season, the players have practiced hard and are excited for tonight’s first home game.

“I think the team will come out strong and display what we have been working on this season so far,” junior Casey Fait said. “Our team has potential to go really far this season.”