DARLINGTON — The Redbirds may have lost two-time All-Conference player Braden Davis, but they return enough experience to improve upon their 9-11 record.

“We just need to take that next step,” head coach Brad Solberg said. “We have the pieces, we just need to put it all together.

Two of those pieces include Honorable Mention All-Conference selections Cadyn Burbach and Breylin Goebel. The pair account for two of five returners that hit over .300 last year, as Burbach hit .390 while Goebel came in a .340.

Barrett Vieth broke the .400 mark, hitting .409, while Gage Banfield and Tye Crist hit .333 and .317, respectively. 

Levi Carter and Maddox Goebel made significant contributions to the offense, too, hitting .286 and .278, respectively. Cannon Lancaster, Roger Volkening, Reagan Jackson and James Ackley also return.

In addition to offense, Solberg is confident in his pitching and fielding.

“We have experienced pitchers who have all thrown in big games,” Solberg said. “Fielding-wise, we should be pretty athletic and be able to cover some ground.” 

Given his team’s talent, Solberg expects Darlington to compete with top SWAL conference teams Fennimore, Cuba City and Mineral Point.