2 NEW BLOOD AT NEW LIFE ACADEMY
History was made at Caswell Park in North Mankato last spring when New Life Academy became the first softball team to capture four consecutive titles. If the Eagles have visions of adding a fifth Class 1A championship ring to their already crowded fingers, youth will carry the way. New Life Academy's roster this season has no seniors and just two juniors. "They're young on the books, but they have a lot of experience," coach Mick Ramey said. "These girls are used to winning. I don't see any pressure at all." Two of the team's four captains are freshmen, including Valerie Hohol. She has big shoes to fill in the pitching circle with the departure of four-year starter Rebekah Schmidt, now at Drake. Hohol played first base last season.

3 FOR AN ENCORE?
En route to its first state appearance, Bloomington Jefferson came through the loser's bracket of the Class 3A, Section 3 tournament to defeat Burnsville last spring. The effort took two games, 23 innings and was spread over two days because of darkness. Sean Hall coached at North St. Paul for nine years before taking over at Lakeville North for this season, andhe knows this year's Section 3 field will be another toughie. Jefferson returns every player from last year's team. "We're more worried about ourselves getting better," he said. "That being said, Jefferson is probably the best team in the state. They're the real deal."