Opp softball coach Amy Harrison said she wants to build something the school hasn’t seen in a long time — a winning program.

“It seems to be working so far,” she said. “The girls have loved practice. The varsity girls are ready to play, and I’m excited to see what they’re wanting to do.”

This is Harrison’s first year as the head coach of the Lady Bobcats. She has 17 players on the roster this season in grades seven through 12.

As far as who is playing where on the field, Harrison said she hasn’t decided yet.

“They have to earn them,” she said.

With it being her first year, Harrison said the team has set some lofty goals for this season.

“As a team, we’ve decided to shoot for an area title because they haven’t won one here,” Harrison said. “We’d also like to make it to the regional tournament and sub-state as well as being one of the 18 teams at the state tournament — that’s an ultimate goal.”

The Lady Bobcats are in Class 4A, Area 2 with Ashford, Brewbaker Tech, Bullock County and St. James.

Their first area game is against Ashford on March 8, at home.

Harrison said she has complete confidence in her team’s ability to do well this season.

“I think we’d be a great contender even though this is my first year,” she said. “If he team plays well together and hits the ball — I don’t think we’ll have any problems.”

One other key element of the game Harrison wants her team to understand is to actually “think” about the game.

“I don’t think they’ve ever been taught that here,” Harrison said. “They’re learning. Mentally, you have to know what’s going on.”

Opp will start is season at the Troy tournament from March 5-6.