Senior Kaleigh Speicher will be a big key for the Warsaw softball team this spring.

WARSAW – Defense.

That one vital part of the game holds the key to the fortunes this Spring for the Warsaw softball team.

The Tigers, in order to bounce back from a disappointing 9-18 season a year ago, will need to shore up their defense.

Warsaw, which did go 8-6 in the Northern Lakes Conference in 2013, committed 98 errors a season ago.

“The key for us this year is our defense,” said Warsaw coach Jim Speicher in a phone interview. “We’ve talked a lot about moving on to the next play. We have to limit the damage this year when we do make errors and can’t let it snowball.

“It’s all about how we handle the error and how we respond to them. We have to have more and better mental toughness defensively this year. We can’t give teams five or six outs in an inning.”

The Tigers are specifically focusing on improving defense at catcher and the left side of their infield.

“Right now, shortstop and third base are up for grabs,” Speicher said.

Senior Kaleigh Speicher, who was 8-10 in the circle last season, is a strong option at shortstop. Speicher also was the top threat at the plate a year ago as she hit .400 with seven homers, 23 RBI and 25 runs scored.

The pitching staff this year has Speicher and senior Whitney Sleeth (1-6) back from last season. Junior Taylor Stiver, the team’s shortstop last season, is expected to see time in the circle this year.

“We have a couple of pitchers with experience (Speicher and Sleeth) and three who all throw strikes.” said coach Speicher. “Whitney threw well for us towards the end of last year. Kaleigh will be more of a reliever this year and Taylor is going to throw more.”

Defense will be an even bigger factor as the Tigers do not possess an overpowering, strikeout hurler. Speicher had 67 strikeouts in 112.2 innings, while Sleeth had seven in 44.

The top of the batting order for the Tigers should be strong. Senior Ashley Ousley will lead the way from leadoff. The speedy outfielder, who has signed to play at IUPUI, hit .373 last year with 20 runs scored and 16 RBI.

The trio of junior Karly Jones (.346, three homers, 15  RBI), along with Speicher and Sleeth, are likely to be in spots 2-4 in the lineup.

“We hit the ball fairly well last year and I think we will hit this season,” remarked Speicher. “We lost our top hitter (Kayla Snider who hit .429), but  hopefully we will have better numbers overall this year.”

The Tiger roster boasts five seniors in Speicher, Sleeth, Ousley, Kara Dishman and Alexa Glass. The junior class includes Stiver, Jones, Sid Hernandez, Ashley Gamble, Miquela Mathis and Julia Smith. Sophomore Kaitlyn Williams completes the varsity roster.

“We’ve talked about rejuvenation this year and being selfless,” said Speicher. “It’s about what can I do for the team. We need everyone to buy into that. To be a good team, you have to have chemistry and the right attitude.”

Speicher likes the preseason work of his team, which has had to be indoors since the first official day of practice on March 10 due to the conditions outside.

“The girls have had a good attitude, they know we can’t get outside early,” said Speicher. “We’ve been focused on getting more done inside and we’ve had some pretty good practices indoors. I hope that translates once we do get outside, but you never know.”

Warsaw is scheduled to host Fort Wayne Snider for a scrimmage March 27. The season opener is at South Bend Riley March 31. The Tigers are slated to play their first four games on the road at Riley, Mishawaka (April 2), East Noble (April 15) and Carroll (April 16).

Warsaw is penciled in to play Columbia City in the home opener April 19 at 11 a.m. The Northern Lakes Conference lid-lifter is versus Wawasee at home on April 21.

“It’s going to be interesting when we will get to play,” said Speicher. “We want to come out and be more competitive in our non-conference games. Those first couple are against tough teams and I want to see us be in the game with hopefully the opportunity to win them.”

Ashley Ousley is one of five seniors for Warsaw. The speedy outfielder will play at IUPUI next season.