Clarksville, Ark.-University of the Ozarks Head Softball Coach Laurie Adkins has assembled a group of talented players, including a number of new faces, for the 2014 season.

Ten new players dot the roster, many of which will take on big responsibilities, according to Adkins.

"A lot of our new players will take on heavy roles this season," said Adkins. "Some will start and some will play a lot. We have some solid hitters that came in."
    
The roster includes nine freshmen, one transfer and seven returning players. Seniors Molly Bowman, Tabatha McClane, Arel Ferguson and RaChelle Robinson provide veteran leadership, while juniors Shawnee Sorensen and Annie McDonald give Ozarks additional experience. Sophomore Haley McKee is expected to have a break-out season in the circle. 
    
"This group wants to be competitive," said Adkins. "Instead of it being a bunch of superstars, it is a group of girls that realize they need each other. They are all pointed in the same direction. The veteran players have helped the younger ones do that. They are also excited about the new look of the conference this season."

Bowman will play centerfield, while the other two outfield spots could fall to multi-purpose players. Bowman, who will command the outfield, started in all 40 games and hit .273 with 27 hits while scoring 12 runs last season. 
    
"Molly is looking the best I've seen her in four years," said Adkins. "She will command the outfield for us."

The infield has a mix of newcomers and veterans. Ferguson, a second baseman, started in 25 games and knocked in five runs in 2013. Sorensen, a third baseman and catcher, played in all 39 games and had 19 total bases, including one home run. A freshman will likely fill the shortstop position.
    
"Arel is getting pushed by Bailey Hames at second base," said Adkins. "Bailey is quick and has a good glove. She may not get off the field. She looks good in the middle infield and outfield. Krysten Shavers is a very good first baseman and will see a lot of time there when she is not pitching. Shawnee and Michelle Edmiston are battling it out at third base right now. As far as being able to come up with a ball, Michelle is as quick as I've ever seen. Shawnee is versatile and can help us almost anywhere. At short, we have several that are versed. Freshmen Kayla Gray, Maggie Johnson and Anisha Johnson can play there." 
    
The catcher duties could fall to a trio of players, including McDonald, Gray and Sorensen.

Adkins is pleased with the amount of depth around the infield.

"Defensively we are solid," she said. "We have middle infield covered. We have players who belong where they are and we are starting to get some depth with that. We are two or three deep at some positions and that will help us out." 

The pitching staff will include McClane, McKee and Shavers. McClane tossed 41.0 innings last season and went 2-7. McKee threw 9.1 innings.   

"Haley is probably going to head up the pitching staff," said Adkins. "She has been working hard. Tabitha and Krysten will shore it up."

Hitting could be improved from a year ago, if the team's younger players can adjust to college pitching quickly.

"We have some hitters," said Adkins. "Arel is on a steady upward climb with her hitting. Kayla, Krysten and Michelle have big bats. They are long ball hitters. We have some hitters that make things happen and are smart base runners."

Ozarks finished 14-26 overall and 4-20 in the American Southwest Conference a year ago. For the 2014 season, there will not be an East and West Division. Instead, the divisions have been combined and the top eight teams qualify for the playoffs.

Ozarks opens the season February 14 by hosting Concordia University Texas in a double-header.