After an incredible year in which the Concrete fastpitch team won the 2B state title, new coach Don Beazizo said the group won’t sneak up on anybody this year.

“I’m sure everybody will be gunning for us,” said Beazizo, who is also the Concrete High School principal.

Luckily for the coach, he’ll have many of last year’s competitors back on the field again minus standout pitcher Britt Howell, who graduated last spring.

The team will look to two of its seniors to fill the void. Moving into Howell’s No. 1 pitching position will be Kassy Taylor. Taylor saw a number of starts last season, but was mostly on the field as a catcher.

Joining Taylor on the mound will be Beka Thomas, who will be the Lions’ No. 2 starter after playing first base last season.

Other notable returnees from last year’s state championship team are Violet League, Kayla Zitkovich and Brandi Dellinger. League will handle the catching responsibilities, Zitkovich will anchor third base and Dellinger will play short stop, the coach said.

With Dellinger and Zitkovich, the team’s infield should be strong this season, even with freshmen Sherry Pringle (second base) and Megan Rogge (first base) filling the gaps left from last year.

The team’s outfield remains a question mark, Beazizo said.

“I think everybody else is returning a lot more than we are,” he said. “All we can do is control what we do and try to get back to the post season.”

The Lions’ previous coach, Kelly Howell, stepped down from the head coaching duties in June 2007 after leading the team to four state appearances.