Fort Dale Academy softball coach Scarlett Anderson will be glad when Monday gets here.

It not only will mark the start of the Eagles' softball season, but it will also be the first time in this young season that she will have her entire team together.

Since the day Alabama Independent School Association schools were allowed to begin practice, Anderson has had scarce participation in practice because of outside engagements.

&#8220I'll be glad to get them together to see what we can do,” Anderson said of Fort Dale's opener against Escambia Academy on Monday. &#8220We have a lot of young players, but they have been playing with each other for a long time going back to city league ball.”

In fact it's hard to find an upperclassman in the infield.

The Eagles look to build from their two-win season last year with a veteran tandem on the mound and behind the plate. Sophomore pitcher Haley Burnette will be Fort Dale's No. 1 pitcher with Carrie Coker catching her. When Burnette isn't on the mound for the Eagles, she will be catching Coker.

&#8220They know each other from city league ball, so there is no doubt this will be a strength for this team,” Anderson said. &#8220And I like the fact that they will work together throughout the season. They will only make each other better.”

The rest of the infield is as young as Coker and Burnette.

Sophomore Michele Hulick will be at first base, while Anderson is still up in the air over who will be at second.

Casey Hicks, a junior, will be at shortstop and the battle has continued between Jordan Peavy and Morgan Pouncey for third base.

&#8220I really like our infield,” Anderson said. &#8220What we've got to improve on as the season goes along is our batting.”