PORTAL — After struggling through the 2006 season, the Portal Lady Panthers turned things around in 2007, putting together a 7-5 record in Region 3-A under first-year coach Shannon Davis.

            The panthers did not lose much from that ’07 squad, but the few that are no longer on the team will leave some holes both on the field and in leadership roles.

            Catcher Jessie Mixon and pitcher Katherine Mincey graduated, and left fielder Ariel Lanier tore her ACL in the offseason and will be sidelined for the year.

            Still, Davis is excited about the outlook of the newly redistributed region, and feels that there’s no reason that Portal should not build on last season’s success.

            Aside from Lanier and the graduating seniors and three new players, the Panthers remain intact for the upcoming season.

            “I’m really looking forward to (the season),” Davis said. “I think the girls are doing a great job.”

            It won’t take long to find out what the Panthers are made of, as the first week is full of top-notch competition.

            “I think (the tough competition) could be a great thing, especially if we come out and win the first couple of games. That will give us a positive way to start the year, and we can just keep it going.”

            The Panthers’ season begins today at 6 p.m. at home against Calvary Day, the 2007 Region 3-A runner up. After a hosting a doubleheader against Emanuel County Institute Wednesday at 4:30 p.m., Portal heads to the “Battle for the Boro” tournament, which — along with Bulloch County’s Southeast Bulloch and Statesboro High — will feature teams from all classifications. The tournament will be played on Friday and Saturday at Mill Creek.

            Matt Yogus can be reached at (912) 489-9404.