RUSTON ââ'¬" Coming off a season that saw Louisiana Tech win 31 games, head coach Mark Montgomery is optimistic about his 2016 team.

The 31 wins were the most by the Lady Techsters since 2008, the last time LA Tech earned a trip to the NCAA Tournament.

And although Montgomery knows this year's team will miss the leadership and services of now-departed seniors Bianca Duran and Janine Godwin, he also realizes the addition of five freshmen and one junior college transfer provides him more depth than he has seen in his previous three years.

"I am extremely pleased with our depth," Montgomery said. "I feel as though this is by far the deepest team I have ever had. Many players can not only play multiple positions, but can play them at a high level. That will allow us to go with offensive match-ups that maximize our chances in each game."

Tech's roster is 21 strong, the most players it has seen in some time. However, Montgomery not only has quantity, but he has quality.

Tech returns seven of its starting eight position players from last year's team which ended the year 31-19 after advancing to the Conference USA Tournament. Godwin is the only position starter that won't be back after starting every game in centerfield as a senior, while Duran was Tech's No. 1 in the circle the past two years.

It also welcomes six talented newcomers, including infielders Berkley Calapp, Jessica Ball, and Taria Page, utility Preslee Galloway and outfielders Morgan Turkoly and Chelsea Rangel. The combination of experience, depth and an influx of new talent has Montgomery excited about the upcoming year.

"The players are working hard," Montgomery said. "I have been very encouraged with both our abilities and our effort. Our newcomers seem to have adjusted well and are playing with confidence. We want to see our pitching continue to develop and improve and our consistency in all phases of the game to be maximized."

Offensively, Montgomery will have the luxury of using different lineups this season depending on match-ups in the opposing circle. He can go heavy with lefties or righties. He can go heavy with power or speed or a combination of both. Filling out the lineup sheet will take a little more time this season.

The depth will provide him plenty of choices for pinch hitters, pinch runners and late game defensive replacements.

"Each team has its own personality; its own identity," Montgomery said. "The fall is so important for us as we develop a team chemistry. It's important that all 21 players buy into their roles on this team. If everyone can do that, we have an opportunity to have a really good team. I'm excited, and I think our players are excited. We still have a lot of work to do to get to where we want to be in February."

Tech returns the nucleus of a lineup that set the program's single season batting average record (.294) last year, including major power sources in junior Pauline Tufi (12 HR, 45 RBI) and seniors Krysta Tutsch (9 HR, 28 RBI) and Anna Cross (6 HR, 27 RBI). It also has table setters in returners like Tori Charters (.373, 28 runs) and Kristen Miles (28 runs).

Montgomery believes that from top to bottom, the Tech lineup which could be peppered with newcomers at times, will be a tough out for most opposing teams.

The Lady Techsters will play eight fall games, starting this Friday night when Tech hosts Bossier Parish Community College at 5:30 p.m. in Ruston.

For all the latest on Lady Techster softball including the fall schedule, fans can log onto LATechSports.com. Fans can also follow through social media avenues, including Twitter (@LATechSB) and Facebook.com/LATechSoftball.