Despite her team losing in the state championship game, Murray softball player Lauren Bell considers the recently completed season to be a big success.

"Obviously we would have liked to finish first, but overall the year was really successful," said the team's starting shortstop. "I'm proud of our team and the way we all worked together."

The Spartans were successful enough to post 28 wins, the most in school history. Head coach Lisa Parker said getting to that number took a complete team effort.

"This team was a great group and everyone bought into the team concept," said Parker. "Everyone understood their role and the entire coaching staff did great working with the girls, everything seemed to mesh together so well."

Sophomore Karly Johnson said chemistry was something the team focused on.

"A lot went into our season, we really worked on becoming more a team, we went the extra mile to be close," said Johnson.

Johnson, who Parker described as a role player who did whatever was asked, said helping her team was all she cared about.

"I just tried to be ready for anything and accept my role. A few times I was asked to play a position I was not familiar with and it was great to know my teammates and coaches had faith in me. We had a lot of players on this team that felt the same way."

Chemistry wasn't the sole reason for Murray's success. An unprecedented five players from this year's team recently signed offers to play college softball. Parker knows replacing that talent is critical to the team's success next season.

"Our six seniors were key to our success this year and we will definitely miss them, but we will change our game plan and I think we can be a strong team next year as well," said Parker.

Parker said part of that game plan is to have each player work on her game over the summer. That doesn't appear to be a problem as all but one varsity player competes on a summer accelerated team.

"I challenged each player to come in stronger next season. They are expected to work hard," said Parker.

As a returning starter, Bell knows the Spartans can continue their string of seven consecutive 20-win seasons.

"I don't expect a lot of difference next season. We won't be the same team, but I know we can have an awesome season," said Bell. —

Successful Spartans

The Murray softball team finished 2011 with 28 wins, the most in school history.

5 seniors signed offers to play college softball.

The Spartans have won at least 20 games for seven consecutive seasons.