Kelley Johnson headlines a young and talented Scots' lineup in 2011.

From a 6-34 record in 2009, to a 20-20 mark a season ago, The College of Wooster softball team made the biggest turnaround in program history during its surprising 2010 campaign. Now returning all but one starting position player, and all three pitchers from last year's rotation, the 2011 Fighting Scots are poised to take another step forward and contend for the North Coast Athletic Conference crown.

"Last year we won 20 games, and that was special. But we want more than that," remarked 12-year head coach Lori Schimmel. "We know that this time around we won't be surprising people. This year's group has a target on their back, and that's a new challenge that they are excited about."

No one was expecting the Scots to have their most dominant offensive season ever in 2010, but that was exactly what they did, by breaking eight team records, including runs scored (336) and batting average (.311). A reason for optimism this season is that Wooster's 1-2-3 punch at the top of the order consisting of sophomores Kelley Johnson and Erica Villa, and junior Lauren Swinehart, are all back to form the nucleus of the team.

Johnson played a handful of positions in 2010, but settled in at second base where she flashed excellent glove work and range on her throws. Even more impressive were her accomplishments at the plate, as Johnson broke the single-season records for batting average (.438), hits (53), doubles (13), and walks (22), while just missing the all-time mark in runs scored (29). Johnson, who led the league with a .521 on base percentage, has cemented herself as the team's leadoff hitter for 2011.

"Kelley's capable of doing anything she wants to do," said Schimmel. "She is one of the hardest working players I have ever coached, and that attitude rubs off onto her teammates. I can see the pride she takes in being the leadoff hitter, because she knows as she goes, the team goes, and I think she likes that pressure."

Also breaking onto the scene last season was Villa, an outfielder, who was right along with Johnson all season long in several statistical categories. Villa turned in a robust .385 batting average on 45 hits, the second-most in team history (behind Johnson). She also stole seven bases and crossed home plate 25 times, on her way to all-NCAC honorable mention accolades.

Swinehart, who showed promise early in her freshman campaign before suffering a season-ending injury, made up for lost time in 2010 with a stellar sophomore effort. The athletic left fielder drove in the second-most RBI (33) in a season for a Wooster player, and also batted .364 with a .582 slugging percentage. Totaling 12 doubles, three triples, and two home runs a season ago, Swinehart nabbed first-team all-conference honors, and will be counted on in the three-hole once again.

The Scots also return a pair of seniors to this year's squad, shortstop Caitlin Gaffney and catcher Lauren Sargi, both three-year starters who will bring back leadership and production. Gaffney set career-highs in most statistical categories in 2010, including batting average (.328) and runs scored (23), while Sargi drove in 10 RBI, and as a catcher, was a key in the development of an all-freshman pitching staff.

"Caitlin and Lauren were great leaders for us last year, and I know they will excel in that role again this year," said Schimmel. "They are both hard-working players, and last year's freshmen really began to follow in their footsteps right away. The leadership that our seniors (Caitlin and Lauren) bring is going to be a big part of our success."

Rounding out the cast of returning starters are junior outfielder Rachel Frank and junior first baseman Gwen Davis. Last year, Frank batted a respectable .289 and was second on the team with 19 walks, while Davis excelled defensively and improved on her offensive numbers from the season prior. Junior outfielder Marissa Stover is also back to add depth at the position.

Complimenting Wooster's breakout offensive campaign was a trio of freshmen pitchers that are expected to form the core of this year's staff. Wooster's likely ace will all-NCAC honorable mention selection Jenn Horton, who went 12-6 overall with a 3.47 ERA and 98 strikeouts on 121.0 innings a season ago. Horton could also see even more time at the plate this season, as she hit .377 with 11 doubles in 69 at bats in 2010.

Joining Horton in the circle are Gina Pirolozzi and Allie Webb, whose skillsets offset each other. Pirolozzi, a power pitcher, went 7-10 and totaled 70 strikeouts, while Webb, whose 32 innings came mostly in relief, challenges hitters with a lot of movement on her pitches. Both are expected to help Horton shoulder the load this season, as could freshman Aundrea Atwell, who has impressed early on.

Along with Atwell, five other first-year players join the roster as well, which includes two infielders, two outfielders, and a catcher, that will each compete for playing time right out of the gates.

"Just a couple of runs separated us from being in the NCAC Tournament last year," remarked Schimmel, whose Scots' suffered three one-run losses, and another extra-inning loss in conference play a season ago. "If we keep working as hard as we have been, I think we can be as good as anyone."