Last year the Belgreen Bulldogs advanced to the Final Four in the Class 1A softball tournament. This year the Bulldogs want to finish the job.

Susie Tverberg, no stranger to building winning softball programs, will take over a program vacated by John Smith. Tverberg comes to Belgreen from Tharptown.

Tverberg said she believes this team has what it takes to chase a title.

“This is a very experienced and determined group of girls,” said Tverberg. “They know the fundamentals and the basics. They understand the game, and they can work more on strategy and situational things. They are not perfect, but they are well-versed on what needs to be done.

“They have a lot of drive, and they love to work on their own.”

Belgreen’s wealth of experience includes seniors Sydney Borden (SS), Gracie Dempsey (RF), Katie Dempsey (OF), Bailey Wood ( C ) and Jaelyn Johnson. Also returning are juniors Emma Dempsey and Kelsey Wilson.

“I think the keys for us this year will be for our girls to learn how to hit advance pitching,” said Tverberg. “They need to put the ball in play and move runners around to score, not go up there and try to kill the ball every time.

“We have to be able to identify pitches and the spin and put the ball in play,” Tverberg explained.

Belgreen will play in an area that includes Phillips, Vina and Hackleburg.