This spring, Coach Laura Savage's Howell High School softball team is looking for senior leadership from Alicia Appell (first base), Gabriella Cicciarelli (catcher) and Michele Piscitelli (third base/outfield) to set the example for a youthful squad.

Juniors Jillian Friedman (DH/pitcher) Rebecca Ornstein (pitcher/second base), Kristiana Ranieri (outfield) and Katelyn Stoughton (shortstop/outfield), and sophomore Gabrielle Ambrozia (third base) complete the returning cast of letter winners.

One newcomer the Rebels are looking at to help them improve on last year's 5-16 record is sophomore pitcher Stephanie Gilbert.

Other newcomers include junior Danielle DeMarco (outfield/DH) and three freshmen, Cassidy Brzozowski (outfield/shortstop), Stephanie Grainger (second base/utility) and Lauren Saal (outfield/utility).

Howell had a promising start to the 2009 season, beating Long Branch, 22-0.