Arizona softball is back with full energy and high expectations for a new season.

Head coach Mike Candrea said he is excited for this time of the year, to work with his new team and prepare it for the regular season.

“I really see a group right now that is very determined, with great work ethic. I’m excited for this season and I think everything that I see right now is positive,” Candrea said. “It’s an exciting time of the year for us, everyone is feeling good at this time of the year and we are very excited. I think we have a very strong group of athletes that will compete very hard this year.”

With the help of five returning seniors, including pitcher Kenzie Fowler, Candrea will show new players the fundamentals during the fall.

“The fall is really a time to work on the little things, softball is a game of detail,” Candrea said.

Aside from the new season and softball coming back, coach Candrea said he is glad to have Fowler back after she went through back surgery and was off the field for about a year and a half.

“Kenzie has really gone through a lot to get to this point right now,” Candrea said.

Being one of the oldest players on the team, she said she wants to be able to set an example for the rest of the younger players.

“I’m really excited to go out with this group of girls,” Fowler said. “There’s a great bunch.”

— Follow Rose Valenzuela @RoseAlyVal