The Gloucester High School varsity softball team made its return Tuesday afternoon with a home scrimmage win of 11-1 over Middlesex. The Lady Dukes closed last season with 24 wins and one loss, as well as a trip to the VHSL Class 4 state semifinals.

Gloucester returns nine players who have all started in state tournament matches over the past two seasons. Junior Autumn Cookson will return to the pitcher’s circle. Senior Alexis Dishman and freshmen Harper Hardaway and Winnie Carlton will also see time on the mound.

Senior Lilly Hogan and sophomore Ava Smith will split time at first base. Junior Tessa Carteret will serve as shortstop, while junior Addison Keister will be the second baseman. Carlton and Cookson will take turns at third base.

Seniors Cameron Palas and Hannah Horsley will serve as catcher and centerfielder, respectively. The corner outfield spots will be handled by junior Kyndall Sales at left field and Dishman in the right field. Hardaway, Bryanna Tayman, Savanna Shahan and Cadence Moonie will also see innings in the outfield. Maddie Thorson will serve as the team’s designated hitter.

“We have a nice group of returning players, but we have injury concerns and we have a long way to go before we find success,” said head softball coach David “Red” Lindsay. “I am hoping we improve throughout the season and play our best at the end of the year.”

Gloucester will face the Mathews Blue Devils on the road Monday evening at 6 and will host the New Kent Trojans Wednesday at 4:30 p.m.

Since Gloucester is now playing in the Bay Rivers District, spectators will be required to pay $7 to enter all home games this year.