Winning is not something the Moniteau High softball team simply hopes to do.

The Warriors do it with regularity and 2009 should be no different.

The team has made the District 9 playoffs every one of Dan Hindman's six seasons as coach. Coming off its second consecutive District 9 Class AA title, Moniteau is going for No. 3.

"We're looking at states," said Hindman. "And we've been there before, so we'd like to get a few games into the state playoffs."

With a pitching duo of senior Maura McCaslin and junior Ashley Lominski, and a batting order that includes second baseman Alex Guercio, the team's leading hitter in 2008, the Warriors can't be counted out of any game.

"Fortunately, we have some communities in the district that have youth softball and they get the girls ready before reaching high school.

"Plus, a lot of the girls play on summer and fall teams, so for them, it's year-round."

Following are preview capsules for Butler County area high school softball teams.

A-C Valley

Coach: Lane Larimore, third season

Last year: The Falcons went 7-8 overall, including a District 9 Class A playoff appearance.

Top pitchers: Karly Kaufman (Sr.) and spot starters-relievers Kelli Davis (Sr.) and Erin Larimore (Jr.)

Top hitters: junior Erin Larimore (C-P), senior Kelli Davis (DH-P), sophomore Meghan Cratty (2B), senior Shannon Bartley (SS), junior Lauren Snyder (LF), senior Karly Kaufman (P)

Larimore says: "We want to contend for the KSAC title this year. But it's going to be tough because Clarion won it last year and they lost just one starter."

ButlerCoach: Lori Kline, first season

Last year: The Golden Tornado went 8-10 overall

Top pitchers: Angie Reddick (So.) and Amanda Skidmore (So.)

Top hitters: seniors Jenna Geibel (SS) and Erica Thrower (C), juniors Sadie Marak (3B) and Jocelyn Bachman (RF)

Kline says: "They are pushing for (the playoffs). We've talked about it. They think it's time they get a banner for Butler."

Freeport

Coach: Tom Rotto, second season

Last year: The Yellowjackets were 9-9 overall

Top pitchers: Madison Rotto (Jr.) and spot starter/reliever Micaela Kurn (Fr.)

Top hitters: senior Amanda Mientus (OF), juniors Madison Rotto (P), Miranda Lingelbach (OF), Carlie Bieranowski (3B) and sophomore Anna Christy (SS)

Rotto says: "We just missed the playoffs last year and are hoping to make it this season."

Karns City

Coach: Mike Simpson, seventh season

Last year: KC finished 10-8 overall and made the District 9 Class AA playoffs.

Top pitchers: Brandi Dunkle (Sr.) and spot starter-reliever Kate Williams (So.)

Top hitters: seniors Samantha Bly (2B), Lisa Kaylor (1B), Brandi Dunkle (P), Haley Bachman (RF), Samantha Ryan (LF), Becky Todorich (3B), Sara Fleeger (OF), junior Sarah Young (C) and freshman Breezy Rich (SS)

Simpson says: "We have high hopes because there are seven returning seniors and we've got some good, young players coming up."

Knoch

Coach: Tim Knappenberger, first season

Last year: The Knights won Section 5-AAA with a 14-1 record (15-4 overall)

Top pitchers: seniors Chelsea Martin and Amanda Sheppeck

Top hitters: seniors Chelsea Martin (P), Amanda Sheppeck (P), Justine Rich (C/SS) and juniors Mindy Bierhals (C/SS), Taylor Smith (LF) and Brittany McDermott (CF)

Knappenberger says: "We play in a very strong section. I know the girls want to compete for the top spot."

Mars

Coach: Michele Goodworth, 11th season

Last year: The Planets were 4-15 overall and 3-12 in section games

Top pitchers: Rachel Pastorek (So.) and spot starters/relievers Caitlin Conner (Jr.) and Haley Jones (Fr.)

Key offensive players: senior Brittany Berkopec (C-3B), junior Caitlin Conner (IF-OF-P), sophomore Rachel Pastorek (P) and freshmen Alyse Ciafre (SS) and Haley Jones (1B-P)

Goodworth says: "We are very young, though we do have our starting pitcher and catcher back and that's going to be key for us."

Moniteau

Coach: Dan Hindman, seventh season

Last year: The Warriors won their second straight District 9 Class AA title

Top pitchers: Maura McCaslin (Sr.) and spot starter/reliever Ashley Lominski (Jr.)

Top hitters: senior Maura McCaslin (P), juniors Ashley Pisor (3B), Alex Guercio (2B), Michael Cousins (1B-OF) and sophomores Brittany Fallen (C-SS) and Autumn Neff (OF)

Hindman says: "Our goal is to get our third straight D9 title. And we've been (to states) before, so we'd like to get a few games into the state playoffs."

Seneca Valley

Coach: George Trew, ninth season

Last year: The Raiders finished 14-6 overall and made it to the WPIAL Quad A semifinals

Top pitchers: Ashley Kuhn (Sr.) and Emily Watson (Fr.)

Top hitters: sophomores Alyssa DiMaria (CF), Sara Mantick (C), Erin Mullen (LF), Lauren Hunt (3B) and Alyssa Miller (2B)

Trew says: "I expect us to be competitive. We will get better as the year goes on."

Slippery Rock

Coach: Zoe McDowell, third season

Last year: The Rockets were 9-9 overall

Top pitchers: Morgan Robinson (Jr.) and spot starter-reliever Jamie Myers (So.)

Top hitters: senior Jessica Hotz (CF), juniors Morgan Robinson (P), Laia Mortimer (2B-3B), sophomore Shawna Peace (1B-3B) and freshmen Kalene Ireland (C) and Marie Takach (3B-OF)

McDowell says: "As good as Morgan was last year, she's even better this year. There are a lot of strengths on this team and we have our sights set on the playoffs."