The Litchfield Dragons softball team is on a mission this season: to shatter a three-year streak of finishing with single-digit wins. After posting a 6-14 record last year (4-12 in the competitive Wright County Conference), the Dragons are hungry to recapture the form that saw them win 12 games back in 2022.

Leading the charge for a turnaround is second-year head coach Nick Besemer, who returns a solid core of experienced players. The Dragons welcome back five starters, including a senior pitching duo of Kelsie Palmer and Claire Holmgren. They'll be throwing to a familiar target in junior catcher Paizli Johnson, while the outfield retains senior Charlie Estrada and junior Autumn Thiel.

Coach Besemer has highlighted catcher Paizli Johnson, outfielder Charlie Estrada, and sophomore Nora Block as key players to watch this spring. The team will look to these athletes to provide leadership and production as they integrate new faces into the infield, following the graduation of several key contributors.

The quest for more wins begins immediately with a tough Wright County Conference opener on the road against Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted. The Dragons' home opener follows shortly after against Watertown-Mayer. The season's highlight will be hosting an eight-team tournament in early May, featuring teams from across the state, which will be a major test for the revitalized squad.