With his two leading hitters back in the fold, Wright City Softball Coach Fred Ross is optimistic about his team building on its finish from a year ago.The Wildcats are looking to build their way back into being a contender in the Eastern Missouri Conference.“We want to get in the top tier of four or five teams — that’s our goal,” said Ross. “We add a tough Mark Twain team and the conference tournament will be loaded. Bowling Green and North Callaway are powers.”It will start with Abbi Ogborn and Brooke Vossen, who each hit .440 a year ago.Ogborn is going to be counted on for senior leadership.“We’re looking for those two to be our key leaders,” said Ross.Vossen will be a starting pitcher, while Ogborn plays shortstop.“Abbi will probably be staying in the lead-off role,” said Ross. “She’s a good bunter and switcher with good speed. Brooke did a really good job of sacrificing some runners over and doesn’t strike out a lot.”Sharing innings on the mound with Vossen will be Macy Evans. Last season Vossen went 7-11, carrying a 5.30 ERA through 101 innings of work.The Wildcats are also returning junior Holli Minzes, who provides a power hitting threat. She missed part of last season with a knee injury.Minzes will play first base after batting .388 with 19 hits a year ago.Working through positions, Wright City has three options for catcher — Leah Vossen, Kirstin Douglas or Kayla Jefferson.“It all starts with out catcher,” said Ross. “When we find our starting catcher, I can figure out who’s going to play those other positions.”In the outfield Ross is looking to utilize Erin Tomschin, Kandice Edwards, Janee Hill and possibly Evans.Meanwhile, Kristen Reckamp will likely start at second base.Additionally, the Wildcats will look to Savannah Bridges for hitting prowess. She and Minzes had particularly strong freshman seasons before seeing their numbers fall back in 2013.“I hope Savannah and Holli hit like they did the year before,” said Ross. “They showed what they were capable of then, and we’d like to get that back.”

Bill Barrett Photo. FIRST-ROUND ACTION — Brooke Vossen started on the mound for Wright City during the Wildcats' first-round contest of the Incarnate Word Tournament. Hazelwood West won the game 7-0.

Derrick Forsythe photo.