CHERRY TWP — New season, new coach, but the Moniteau softball team has managed the same old results.

Entering Monday's game against rival Karns City, the Warriors are sitting at 11-1 overall with three games remaining before the District 9 Class AA playoffs begin.

One of the team's wins came by forfeit. In the other 10 victories, Moniteau has outscored its opponents (103-31).

The 2011 season is one in a long line of successful softball campaigns at Moniteau.

Former coach Dan Hindman coached the team from 2003-10 and never had a losing season, winning district titles in 2007 and 2008.

This past offseason, Hindman became the head varsity softball coach at Butler High, while his assistant at Moniteau, Dan Beebe, took the reins of the Warriors, who haven't missed a beat.

“We feel we're right where we should be,” said sophomore shortstop Chloe Eshenbaugh of her team's record. “All the players get along well and that has helped with our success.”

Beebe, who served on Hindman's staff for three years, made no drastic changes after taking over.

“The girls were comfortable with Dan's coaching style,” said Beebe. “I did get some feedback from the girls over the last three years and made a few tweaks as far as how we do things.

“Especially the younger players, they're getting more of an idea of how I'm trying to do things,” he added.

But Beebe is quick to credit his players' effort as the biggest reason for the program's continued success.

“We're balanced all around,” he said. “Every night it seems to be another part of the team stepping up between pitching, hitting and fielding.”

That balance includes a .421 team batting average, including 33 extra-base hits.

Two players, senior catcher Britney Fallen (.625) and Eshenbaugh (.513), are batting over .500. Six players are hitting better than .400.

Starting pitcher Holly Colosimo, a junior, has a solid earned-run average of 3.61 with 70 strikeouts and just 17 walks.

“With all of us girls on the team, it's like a family,” said Fallen. “We know what to do and we know we have the talent. We just have to go out and get it done.”

Being part of a program that knows nothing but winning doesn't hurt.

“That winning tradition plays a big part in the confidence we take the field with every game,” said Colosimo.

It also is the biggest reason for the Warriors' loyal fan base.

“There are schools that get few fans out for a home game, even when it's great weather,” said Beebe. “But here at Moniteau, a lot of fans come out to support the girls.

“Our program continues to build,” he added. “There are girls on our team that play over 100 games per year because they're involved with traveling teams in the summer and fall.”

The players' focus is currently on bringing a third district title to Moniteau High.

“Our goal is to go as far as we can,” said Colosimo.