As Chelsi Taylor candidly points out, there’s only one option for the Baker softball team this year. One direction to go: up.

If fall ball was any indication, Taylor and the rest of the Wildcats won’t disappoint in the spring as an undefeated autumn all but erased the memories of a dismal campaign last year that saw the Wildcats go 3-26 overall and 2-18 in the conference.

Taylor, a junior transfer student from North Florida Community College, said the squad has found a good deal of cohesion and is looking even better than it was before winter break.

“After our practices we’re showing a good connection with each other,” she said. “We’re much better there than in the fall. Personally, I think things are going to be good compared to last year.”

Positive vibes and rampant optimism appear to be the preseason themes as the Wildcats prepare for their season, which begins Feb. 18 in Pittsburg against NCAA Division II foe Pittsburg State University.

“We have great chemistry,” senior co-captain Stephanie Allen said. “The last couple years we’ve had some tiffs but this year’s going to be awesome.”

In addition to the collective team spirit, the squad returns several experienced starters from last year.

Junior co-captain Kelsey Epperson will return at shortstop and bring a consistent bat to the top of the order. Sophomores Erin Ford – who will also see time on the mound – Kayla Brown and Kim Gilges will compete for time in the rest of the infield.

Sophomore Amanda Phelps and freshman Mackenzie Salzman are the projected starting pitchers while sophomore Katie Worley and freshman Allie Losey will compete for time at catcher.

Worley, who was used last year at shortstop, said she doesn’t expect to have any trouble adjusting to life behind the plate.

“I caught back in the day, so it shouldn’t be too bad,” Worley said. “I’m not really a natural shortstop anyway.”

Now the only negatives in the preseason are the injuries to Taylor and freshman pitcher Brittany Vollenweider.