The Long County softball team will kick off its season Monday when the Blue Tide hosts Richmond Hill High School.

This year’s team has a new head coach, Jennifer Alfirov, who moved up from her former post as assistant coach.

"There aren’t many things that I will do differently," Alfirov said. "I hope to push the girls to the limit so some of the close games will fall our way this year."

She added, "We will continue to work hard and never be satisfied. We want to get better every day, every practice and every game."

The Tide are looking to rebound from a disappointing 2008 season. The team went 5-10 overall and 3-6 in the 2-AA Region, finishing No. 6.

"Looking at the season as a whole, I think that if we work as hard as we can, things will happen for us," Alfirov said.

Junior Kayla Mills, a standout from last season, is returning this year. Mills was last year’s MVP, and she carried the highest batting average on the team.

"We are pushing to have a solid nine on the field at all time, hoping that they step it up this year," the coach said.

The girls’ team consists of Alejandra and Silvia Chihuahua, Erica Golden, Brittany Hall, Taylor Harrison, Brittany Lee, Kelly Long, Kelby Manning, Shelby Mock, Sklylar Ogden, Allie Richardson, Kimber Sapp, Linda Stephens, Miranda Taylor, Amber Wilson, and Mills.

"I have many expectations this year. I expect to work hard every practice, I expect us to play hard, I expect us to give 100 percent, I expect us to have fun," Alfirov said.

Monday’s game in Ludowici against the Wildcats starts at 5 p.m.