Landrum softball fans have become very accustomed to the name Jordan Farmer.

Called up as an eighth–grader, Farmer pitched a no-hitter. Three years later and 49 wins under her belt, the junior will anchor the Lady Cardinals on the mound.

One of the strongest assets for the Lady Cardinals this season will be what lies behind Farmer and the pitcher’s mound.

“(Our strength is) definitely defense,” head coach Tucker Hamrick said. “We pride ourselves in being defensively sound and not making mental mistakes.”

The Lady Cardinals are returning five starters aside from Farmer.

Bre Cuff returns as catcher, Taylor Jenkins returns at second base, Lauren Pitts and Sydnie Brown return to the infield and Skylar Henderson returns in centerfield. Morgan Williams will be the lone senior on a young Landrum team this season. Hamrick is confident pitching will be a strength this season.

Led by Farmer – an All-State pitcher the last three years  – the Lady Cardinals have five pitchers on the team.

Hitting will be a much-improved area over last season, Hamrick said.

“We must step up our offensive production in every game,” Hamrick said and added that the base paths are an important part of his offense improving. “We must be better base runners and capitalize on other team’s mistakes.”

In 2010, the Lady Cardinals finished undefeated en route to a region championship and Hamrick is confident the foundation is there to repeat.

“(This is) a hard-working, dedicated and competitive team who came together as a team on the first day of practice,” he said. “They gel nicely in everything they do.”