OKLAHOMA CITY (Feb. 1, 2017) – The concerning news is that Oklahoma Christian has only 11 players available for the 2017 softball season. That presents some obvious concerns about health and durability.

But coach Tom Heath isn't going to fret about the Lady Eagles' small roster, and with good reason: "We've got an outstanding team. I don't want people to feel sorry for us, because we've got a very good team that can compete with anybody."

Indeed, OC – which will open the season Friday against Emporia State (Kan.) in the Southeastern Regional Invitational in Durant – has a world of talent squeezed onto that roster, including four returning All-Heartland Conference players.

In fact, seven of OC's top eight hitters, and all four of its pitchers, are back off a young squad that went 28-27 and finished third in the league in 2016.

"We are a year older and a year smarter," Heath said. "We have outstanding team chemistry. If we stay healthy, there's no reason we shouldn't have a team that will compete in the Heartland Conference.

As for staying healthy, Heath said he and assistants Jessica Ruckman, Steve Gault and Monique Elliott are emphasizing to their players the importance of good conditioning habits.

"We've got a strength and conditioning program that is outstanding," Heath said. "We condition two days a week for an hour. It's a necessity. It prevents injuries and helps us perform better. That will be especially important this season."

Success in softball often depends upon quality pitching, and OC should have plenty. Sophomore left-hander Madison Hagood established herself last season as one of the Heartland's best, finishing 18-11 with two saves, a 2.56 ERA and 110 strikeouts in 161 1/3 innings while earning All-Heartland first-team honors.

Sophomore Kaylie Upton (7-4, 3.72 ERA) and junior Madison Nordyke (2-10, 4.74 ERA) both are proven veterans who have won big games for OC, while sophomore Kayla Eichler showed promise in limited action last season.

When not pitching, Nordyke likely will be at first base, with Upton handling those responsibilities when Nordyke is in the circle.

At second base will be one of the Heartland's top players, junior Sheridan Bond, another first-team All-Heartland pick last season after hitting .335 with three home runs and 20 RBIs. Bond led the league in walks (42) and triples (5), stole 15 bases and posted an impressive .480 on-base percentage.

On the other side of the infield, sophomores Lacey Davidson (shortstop) and Bridget White (third base) have a season of experiences and Heath expects they both will improve off promising freshman campaigns. White hit .304 and showed pop in her bat, with six doubles, four triples and four homers.

Senior Niki Davidson, a second-team All-Heartland pick in 2016 after hitting a team-high .372 with 32 RBis, will handle the catching duties without much relief, as Kirsten Scott will miss the season due to injury. In a pinch, Lacey Davidson could step in for her older sister.

Another first-team All-Heartland player, senior Haley Squier (.364, 34 RBIs) is back in left field. One of the team's two newcomers, freshman Caitlin Young – who helped her high school team win a Texas Class 5A title as a prep senior – will handle center field duties while Eichler, who hit .302 last season, will be in right field when she's not pitching.

Freshman Kenysha Noland – a speedster from Ardmore who transferred to OC from Texas Wesleyan at the semester break – will be immediately eligible and could see action at any number of positions, as she has experience at shortstop and in the outfield.

Heath and his staff plan to use the six games in the Southeastern event this weekend to give players some experience at other positions – just in case – but after that, lineup changes often will depend on who's pitching, as OC's pitchers will have to know how to play other positions. Heath doesn't think that will be an issue.

OC was picked third (among eight teams) in the preseason Heartland poll, behind 2016 regular-season champion St. Mary's (Texas) and postseason tournament winner Lubbock Christian (Texas). OC will host both those teams in April in what could be showdown series, if the Lady Eagles take care of business against the rest of the league.

The top five teams will qualify for the league tournament, to be hosted by the regular-season winner.