Middleton finished fourth in the tough Big 8 last year, and gears up for another run through the difficult conference. Coach Perry Hibner is optimistic that an influx of youth in the sophomore and freshman classes will balance the team's returning leadership in the upper classes, including versatile returning first-team all-Big 8 first baseman Jessica Parente and catcher-turned-outfielder Brianna Buss. Coach Hibner also discusses the challenges of playing a spring sport in Wisconsin, where the weather can be a little unpredictable.