A string of four straight playoff appearances was snapped last season for St. Aloysius.

The Lady Flashes finished 7-14 despite a big year from third baseman Mallory McGuffee. The junior was The Vicksburg Post Player of the Year after batting a Warren County best .519 with 14 extra base hits, including three home runs. She also had 18 runs scored, 17 RBIs and 22 stolen bases.

The Lady Flashes went 2-2 in the first week of the season, with wins over Franklin County and University Christian. They host Riverside tonight at 6:15.

St. Al coach Gene Rogillio said he will keep McGuffee at the top of the St. Al lineup and hope it can spark the rest of the offense, which returns all eight position players and the pitcher spot.

“She’s going to lead off,” Rogillio said. “People ask me why do you put your power first? Because I like to see that power on third base or if she hits a home run, already across the plate.”

Coming behind McGuffee is sophomore second baseman Julie Mabry. She batted .283 last season and stole 13 bases.

“Julie can bunt and has improved overall as a hitter,” Rogillio said.

Shortstop Haley Heggins is the lone senior on the roster and has been a staple of the Lady Flashes for the past five years.

“I’m excited,” Heggins said. “We have a real good group of girls and we’re ready for the season.”

Heggins was the team’s second leading hitter last year and an All-County selection with a .396 average and 10 runs scored.

Three sophomores will be counted on to carry the middle portion of the lineup. Grace Franco batted .327 last season while outfielder Perry Gillis hit .293 and catcher Madison Heggins batted .240.

Franco will also be expected to lead a three-person pitching rotation. She went 3-8 with a 4.59 ERA last season. Freshmen Cameron Curtis (2-2, 5.01 ERA) and Avery Parman (1-3) are also back.

“Cameron played a lot this summer and Avery is much improved,” Rogillio said of his young pitchers.

A deeper bench will be another aid to the Lady Flashes this spring.

“This year we have some people who can come off the bench,” Rogillio said. “We couldn’t do that last year. Kelsey Davidson, Allie Willis and Hannah Cranfield should all find time for us.”