Looking to take a big step this season is the Knoxville Softball Squad as the Panthers start their season tonight hosting Martendsdale St. Mary’s in a varsity double header. The Panthers do not have a very easy start to their season with the Blue Devils tonight, an up and coming Centerville squad Wednesday, and defending state champions Clarke on Friday, and both Wednesday’s and Friday’s games are conference opponents. The Panthers return nearly everyone from last season’s 14-17-1 record. Emily Wallace will be the number one pitcher again this season, however Delaynne South may figure into a few more starts with the Panthers playing more varsity double headers this season. On the offensive side, the top three hitters from last season return all of whom had over 30 hits and batted above 300.