FIELD TWP - With nearly its entire lineup from a year ago intact, the North Woods softball team is eyeing a strong season this spring.

Key starters returning for the Grizzlies are junior Alli Sandberg, sophomores Regan Ratai, Hanna Sandberg, Kate Stone, Claire Beaudry, Alanna Rutchasky and Maddy Serna and freshman Kayla Tschida,

Junior Kayla Bodri is among the new players expected to contribute.

“We should improve our record this year,” North Woods head coach Dee Ann Sandberg said. “We have a lot of returning girls who have been playing together quite a while. Pitching is getting better.

“Defense is going to be key this year. Our pitching is also improving every year. Alli Sandberg has been our go-to girl the past few years. We have a couple of other girls who have stepped up this year.”

The Grizzlies will also look for a boost in offensive production.

“We can always improve everywhere,” Sandberg said. “It would be nice to see our batting improve overall and to stay consistent. You can’t win if you don’t score some runs.”

North Woods opened the season with a stellar 10-1 home win over Floodwood on Monday.

Ratai led the way, going 4-for-4 with two doubles and a home run.

Rutchasky, Stone and Alli Sandberg also had multi-hit games.

The Grizzlies also stole nine bases in the game, led by Rutchasky with three.