During the past four years, the Concrete fastpitch team has done its fair share of watching.

Watching Britt Howell throw numerous no-hitters during her four years with the Lions. Watching the left-hander lead the team to the state 2B title last year. And watching her depart for East Carolina University to pitch NCAA Division I fastpitch.

But since losing the varsity starter, who went 23-2 with a 0.14 earned run average last year, Concrete will likely need contributions from many of its inexperienced players if it hopes to defend its championship.

In addition to losing their ace pitcher, the Lions are without former coach Kelly Howell, who resigned as coach of the squad after last season.

It will truly be life without the Howells — for the most part.

“With Britt on the mound, unfortunately our younger kids didn’t get a lot of experience pitching,” first-year coach Don Beazizo said. “I’m not sure what to expect with our (pitching) staff.”

Plugging the pitching holes will be two seniors with limited pitching experience — Kassy Taylor and Beka Thomas. Taylor saw a few starts last season but was primarily used to spell Britt Howell from the bullpen during double-headers.

Thomas has pitched one game during her softball career, but has been working this year to improve her fundamentals.

Despite his resignation of the head coaching duties, Kelly Howell has helped the two seniors work on employing the same pitching routine used by Britt. Using a system of drills, both pitchers have been able to receive some extra hands-on training, Beazizo said.

Although Beazizo has coached softball before, he said pitching isn’t his specialty, so having somebody help has really taken some of the pressure off him.

Taylor said when she played catcher last season, she also learned some tips from Britt Howell on the mound.

“(Britt) would teach me pitches and if I had a question, she would help me out,” Taylor said. “We still work with Kelly when we can — he’s available.”

Thomas said she’s still in the phase of figuring out how to consistently pitch in different locations.

“The release point is the most difficult,” Thomas said. “But Kelly is really patient and he understands what it takes.”

Catching will also play a role in how effective each pitcher will be for the Lions.

Taylor said she hopes to be able to catch for Thomas to give her a familiar face behind the plate. Taylor caught Howell last season and even called a couple of games for her. Usually that responsibility, where a catcher suggests pitches and locations, is left to the coach.

The team’s catcher often plays a vital role on the squad, Taylor said.

“It’s hard because you’re naturally afraid of the ball,” she said. “I’ve been telling (newcomer Violet League) to not be afraid of it.”

Both pitchers said teamwork will be the key if the team hopes to pick up where it left off last season.

With a number of new infielders and outfielders, Beazizo said the team is still working on building the team concept. At points during the past four seasons, the defense wouldn’t see a single ground or fly ball due to Britt Howell’s overpowering pitching.

Now Taylor and Thomas will rely on their defense — not their pitching — to reach the post season.

“We’re not going to rely on individuals,” Beazizo said. “It’s a team sport and our chain is only as strong as its weakest link.”