(Editor’s note: When first published, this story incorrectly reported how far St. Charles Catholic advanced in the 2017 playoffs. L’OBSERVATEUR regrets the error.)

LAPLACE — One year after advancing to the LHSAA semifinals, the St. Charles Catholic Lady Comets are seasoned and skillful, eager to use their foundation of experience to propel through another playoff run.

With less than two weeks remaining in regular season play, the Lady Comets exit the week with an impressive 18-4 record.

Head coach Ty Monica said there is room for improvement, especially on the defensive end, as the girls prepare for Ursuline Academy, De La Salle and other formidable teams.

“We’ve got a really tough stretch of games coming in front of us,” Monica said. “We happen to have been scoring some runs, and our pitching has gotten better, but we haven’t played as well over the past couple of weeks. We’ve been lacking in defense, and when that fails, it fails everything.”

During practice, the girls are working on defensive tactics while continuing to swing the bat.

With seven seniors and two juniors leading the team, Monica said experience has made it easy to reinforce the program’s culture. Aside from bringing tangible skills to play, this year’s squad exemplifies leadership and work ethic.

He expects the graduating seniors to pass down their love of the game to younger players.

“I don’t know if this is something that has been passed down from generation to generation through our program, but these girls love to practice,” Monica said. “They strive for perfection and take pride in being the best they can be using what limited spring practice times we have.”

In recounting the team’s strengths, Monica said it would be a travesty to not recognize all seven graduating seniors.

Jade Brady has a strong arm and has proved herself valuable in whatever position she plays, whether she’s pitching, throwing or swinging a bat.

With a batting average surpassing .500, Caroline Julian is a star hitter and the team’s leading infielder who has also played at shortstop for three years, according to Monica.

Next year, Julian will play for University of Louisiana at Monroe on the Warhawks softball team.

Grace Mohon has started in centerfield for three years, and Monica said she’s delivered good leadership and clutch hitting.

“I try to put good hitters in the fifth or sixth spot in the lineup to come through when we need them,” Monica said. “Grace has been there for years, so I think that says a lot about what I think of her.”

Jori Bryant is solid at second base and hitting her stride in the later part of the season, according to Monica.

Leftfielder Hailey St. Martin has seen a successful run and has consistently done what she’s been asked of for the past three years, Monica said.

Zoe Zaidan, a first year senior starter, has done a solid job manning first base and preventing the opposing team from making deep runs.

Though it won’t be an easy road, Monica said the ultimate goal is to return to the championship game in Sulphur and repeat history.

“We’re going to keep slugging away and fighting hard,” Monica said. “We’ve got to win.”

A District battle against Ursuline Academy is scheduled for 4 p.m. Tuesday at home.