2018 Moapa Valley Softball Capsule

Head coach: Matt Messer, sixth season

2017 record: 22-13 (8-2 3A Sunrise/second)

Returning letter winners (starters): Eight (seven)

Top players: C Kessa Evans (Sr.), 3B Lainey Cornwall (Jr.), CF Aria Messer (Sr.), OF/IF Sierra Harding (Sr.), P/OF Emilie Barraza (Jr.)

Outlook: The Pirates return seven starters from a team that won the Class 3A Southern Region title and advanced to the state tournament.

Cornwall (.426 average), Evans (.409), Barraza (.396; 8-4, 3.23 ERA), Aria Messer (.379) and Harding (.356) all return to lead the offense.

“Our team should be athletic at all positions, competitive and have lots of grit,” Matt Messer said. “They love to compete with each other in practice and have a great team first attitude. Our senior leadership should be strong and we have a very solid junior class.

“After last year’s success, we have more we want to achieve. We expect to compete for another run at the state tournament.”