Kansan File Photo

Senior pitcher Kathy McVey slides into third base during the fourth inning of a game last October against Emporia State University. Big 12 Conference coaches picked Kansas to finish eighth in the conference this season. Kansas opens the season against Oklahoma State at the Arizona Pepsi Classic in Tucson, Ariz., on Friday.

After four months of conditioning, lifting and practicing, the KU softball team will finally start the season Friday.

Kansas will undergo a tough first weekend at the Arizona Pepsi Classic in Tucson, Ariz. Kansas will face the regional contender Oklahoma State and the nationally ranked University of Arizona.

“I think we need to play and find out where we are as a team,” coach Tracy Bunge said.

The team appears confident going into the season under the steady leadership of junior co-captains Destiny Frankenstein and Serena Settlemier.

Four newcomers also look to make immediate contributions. Freshman Elle Pottorf will start behind the plate, while Christina Ross brings experience and skills to the bench.

Tucson, Ariz., natives Cyndi Duran and Jackie Vasquez bring added speed.

Though the Jayhawks continue to build with several impact players, the rest of the Big 12 Conference also has improved.

Texas returns Olympic pitcher Cat Osterman, and will make a run at a Big 12 title.

Baylor, Oklahoma and Texas A&M; also retained most of their players and are favored to take home the conference title.

As long as the Jayhawks play consistent softball, Bunge said he thought they could compete with every team they faced.

Another key to the Jayhawks’ success will be how well the team endures the season.

“We need to stay healthy,” Bunge said. “We are not a very deep team.”

The offense remains an area of concern. Bunge said he expected to win games by one-run margins.

But a strong pitching core and solid defense will keep the Jayhawks in every game.

The first home game will be March 11 in the Holiday Inn/Jayhawk Classic at Arrocha Ballpark.