THOMPSON FALLS – After a year without any softball for Thompson Falls, this year the team is more than ready to get the games started.

After many days of recruiting, Head Coach Randy Pirker has a full team.

And the girls wasted no time getting down and dirty. The Thompson-Noxon co-op team fired up their throwing arms and warmed up around the bases as their first practice of the season kicked-off in full gear.

Pirker has twelve girls on the team, with one from Noxon and two returning girls – Kelsey Fitchett and Kaylie Cox.

Coach Pirker said the team does not have a lot of experience but that will not stop them from being a tough competitor.

“Improvement is what we’re after for the season and we’re looking to place in the top four in divisional,” said Coach Pirker.

Pirker, who will be head coach for his ninth year, said the first practices will focus on the basics.

“We’ll be working on different drills for catching, we’ll be working on our hitting, and three girls will be working on their pitching,” said Pirker.

Fitchett, Erica Sorlie and Madison Fitchett will be pitching for the Lady Hawks this year.

“Pitching will be key,” said Pirker stating they do have some work to do in that area but it should not be hard to get back to where they should be.

In 2010, the Lady Hawks won the state championship and in 2011, the team was one game away from going to stay. After taking a year off of softball due to the decreased enrollment, the ladies are back and ready to fight for a win.