Higher expectations ... everyone wants them, but not everyone wants the burden that comes with them.

Last season, the Elizabeth Forward High School softball team had arguably the best season in the program's history, going 18-5, advancing to the WPIAL Class AAA title game for the second time in program history and winning a PIAA playoff game for the first time.

With that in mind, anything that falls significantly shorter than that this season won't quite measure up.

"I think that when you have a season like we did last year, it definitely raises the bar a little bit," EF coach Chris Estadt said. "We're up for the challenge."

"You're never guaranteed anything," said junior catcher Kristen Hawkins, a returning PG South All-Star. "We'll try to work real hard, especially since we're striving [to match] what we did last season. We don't want to settle for anything less than what we had last year -- except maybe to win [the WPIAL title]."

The Warriors opened the regular season Tuesday, routing Ringgold, 13-1. They have some new faces in new places this season as the reigning Section 4-AAA champions.

One of the biggest stabilizing forces will be the play of Hawkins, who hit .437 with 19 RBIs, a .648 slugging percentage and .462 on-base percentage. Although only a junior, Hawkins said the coaching staff has made it known to her that they expect her to act as a leader for this relatively young team.

"She's assumed a leadership role since she came in as a freshman," said Estadt, adding that Hawkins also will pitch as needed. "She's always been a leader on this team and she's being counted on for that this season."

Sam Shore steps into the No. 1 pitcher's role following the transfer of PG South All-Star pitcher Lindsey Smith to Serra Catholic.

"Sam is very solid," Estadt said.

Junior Brittany Bruce returns for her third season as EF's starting shortstop, and sophomore Angelica Dull figures to play third.

Sophomore Tori Paterra is a returning starting outfielder after batting better than .400 last season and leading the team in home runs.

"She's a big difference-maker on offense," Hawkins said.

Also in the outfield mix is some combination of Emily Sorton, Rachel Handel and Meghann Jobb. Senior Hilary Holets plays first base, and senior Rachelle Debevec heads the list of candidates for the starting second baseman's job.

Estadt cautioned that starting spots are still up for grabs and that the lineup could change if performance dictates.

"We have a few more seniors than last year, but we're still relying on young players," said Estadt, who is in her fifth year as head coach and is in her ninth season with the program.

"I'm happy with what I've seen from my team so far [in the preseason]."

But she's not happy enough to expand on her stock answer of modest goals for the upcoming season. Estadt said the Warriors are focusing solely on competing for a section title.

Hawkins, however, allows that last season has indeed had the effect of raising expectations.

"Our goals are to win the section [title] and we want to get to the WPIAL championship [game] and try to go deep into states," Hawkins said.

"We want to reach what we did last year. We don't want to settle for less. The goals are so high.

"We want to keep going at it and improve upon last year's records."