MOSES LAKE - A combination of youth and experience are the keys to another successful softball season for Warden High School in 2012.

The Cougars, under the direction of coach Wes Richins, now in his 10th season as head coach, look to return to as a powerhouse in the 2B Central Washington Conference.

"We finished 17-7 in league play and went to state last year," he said. "We have a tough non-league schedule which should help refine us a bit, and we should be the league favorites again this year."

Warden lost three players to graduation last year, but has plenty of talent on the team to get back to the big stage.

"Filling those positions will be a challenge, but we have a good group of girls working hard to find a spot," Richins said. "But when you return your pitching and catching, it's always nice."

The Cougars will be leaning on Iris Rodriguez who pitches, plays 3B and is the team's leading hitter. Warden will also be counting heavily on catcher Bianca Hernandez, cleanup hitter, the speed of Tawney Gonzalez, who plays in the outfield and Narcy Guerra who plays shortstop and in the outfield.

"We do have a strong team returning this year that has a nice combination of youth and of experience," Richins said. "Our strengths should be our balance, good bats and good defense.  Our pitching is not dominating, but our defense should help keep us in games this year."

The stiffest competitors for the Cougars Richins said are

Kittitas in league play and the always tough Brewster at districts.

Warden will get a chance to see how they'll stack up to the competition this season when they host Cheney Tuesday at 3:30 p.m.