The Hazen softball team will go as far as their young pitching can carry them this season.

“We’re pretty young this year,” said Hazen coach Kurt Brandel. “We’re just developing, rebuilding.”

The Highlanders graduated seven seniors from last season and have a number of young players filling key spots. Brandel said that’s changed his coaching strategy a little bit early in the season since he’s had to focus more on fundamentals.

“Absolutely, it’s been more basic stuff,” he said. “They’re out there getting the experience as they go.”

Sophomore Lena Chindamany and freshman Kristina Holm will pitch for Hazen.

“That’s our development for the future,” Brandel said. “We’ve always built a pitcher, and we’ve got some young ones going now.”

Holm will also bat near the top of Hazen’s lineup and use her speed to create scoring opportunities.

Another newcomer, sophomore Lauren Goss, will be a key at the top of the lineup. Brandel said the leftfielder may be the team’s fastest player.

Other new athletes to watch are junior Ashley Kamphaus, sophomore Carissa Ofthus and sophomore Megan Bridgman.

Seniors Kelsey Knauss, Bella Reid Danielle Martin and Savannah Hilt will lead the team. Kelsey plays shortstop and made the all-league second team last season. Martin starts in centerfield, Reid plays third while Savannah plays first.

Jaonna Penner, a sophomore, returns and will will play catcher.

The Highlanders have started the season 1-1, falling to Kennedy Catholic 24-3 and beating Evergreen 16-1.