2017 Sierra Vista Softball Capsule

Head coach: Raul Almaguer, first season

2016 record: 23-7 (11-3 Division I-A Sunset, third)

Returning letter winners (starters): Nine (six)

Top players: P Kalei Watkins (Sr.), C Mia Buranamontri (So.)

Outlook: Watkins (.513, 9 home runs; 185 strikeouts) has been one of the top players in the state throughout her career. Buranamontri (.484) burst on the scene last year and gives the Mountain Lions another weapon.

“Our first priority is to compete and take the Southwest League title,” Almaguer said. “After that, we’ll just it one game, one win at a time with one goal on our minds — the state title.

“We’re going to have a young team behind a great senior leader in Kalei Watkins.”