As the cycle goes in high school sports, there are times when a team graduates a player or two and it instantly causes the next season to be an uphill climb. One of those times has arrived for Pinelands Regional softball coach Keith Lowe and his Wildcats.

“This is a unique time in our program, and it’s going to require that I learn some new things and be patient,” said Lowe, referring to the graduation of former pitcher Jessie Rising, now playing at Division I Manhattan College.