Along with a rookie head coach, the Liberty softball team relied on a slew of freshmen last season.

Now more experienced, coach and players, the Patriots are looking to take on the KingCo, possibly even returning to state for the 13th time on 14 years.

“We want to be a much smarter team,” said second year coach Jessica Johnson. “We need to be more aware of the situations we’re in, take advantages of the weaknesses of our opponents better and just do a better job of executing plays.”

The Patriots (2-4 overall this season) struggled at times last year with inexperience. But this year six players are sophomores instead of freshmen.

On the more experienced end of the spectrum, Aris Califano, Alexis Court and Marissa Jeffers will lead the team.

Califano made the all-league first team last year and will play centerfield. Court made all-league honorable mention last year.

Sophomores Taylor Cowty and Denise Blohowiak will pitch. Sophomore Taylor Weik will catch.

Johnson said she expects her team to be calm and steady.

“We don’t have a lot of slappers, we don’t bunt a lot and we’re not super fast,” she said. “But we can find ways to score runs.”

She added that communication should be improved as she searches for her style in the second season as a first-time head coach.

“I’m not a rookie anymore,” Johnson said. “Expectations for girls on the team are high and I can communicate better now that I know them better.”

Liberty starts league play April 12 against Mercer Island.