Warren Central is aiming for another berth in the Class 6A fast-pitch playoffs. But can the Lady Vikes do it without their biggest run producer?

That’s the biggest question facing the Lady Vikes (0-3) as they prepare for life without senior shortstop Chasity Hearn, who drove in 23 runs with six doubles, six triples and one home run. She is out with a cyst on her wrist, an injury that affects her everytime she swings a bat. Her return is unknown.

Not only does the absence of her offense hurt the Lady Vikes, her solid play at shortstop provided an anchor for WC in the infield.

Another one of WC’s senior stalwarts, Krista Cortezie, is fighting an ailing shoulder and is playing shortstop in the early part of the season.

Youth is a big part of WC’s roster and the reason why winnable games were undone last year by a bad inning or two each game defensively. One of the key areas the Lady Vikes seek improvement is getting rid of those bad innings.

“We’re not asking them to make the spectacular plays, just make the routine plays. If you get the outs you’re supposed to get, you don’t put yourself in that bind,” WC coach Dana McGivney said.

Pitcher Megan McCullough will take the lead role in the circle this season. Although she’s more of a location-and-movement pitcher who will have to pitch to contact, She worked 252⁄3 innings last year and opposing hitters hit a weak .193 against her.

Pitchouts – Lady Vikes

Coach: Dana McGivney

Record: 13-13

Key returnees: SS Chasity Hearn, OF/IF Krista Cortezie, P Megan McCullough, INF Katie Busby

Key losses: INF Mallory Reynolds, P Chelsea Worley

Burning questions: Can the WC defense shore up its vulnerabilities?