By Don Ketchum

The softball program at Peoria Centennial has a new coach and a new approach, but the thing the Coyotes want to remain the same is that the 2011 season ends the way it did in 2010 – with them raising the Class 5A Division II championship trophy.

Centennial was 9-5 overall and 2-2 in tournament play entering Saturday’s (March 26) final round of the Desert Mountain Invitational in Scottsdale.

“We have shown flashes of being a good team,’’ said Mike Repak, the team’s new coach. “The (Desert Mountain) tournament exposes the good and bad for a team, but it is a good test for us.’’

Repak has coached freshman and junior-varsity softball at Centennial for nearly a decade.

He replaces long-time coach Bartt Underwood, who retired.

“It is a big challenge to fill Bartt’s shoes. He and I have a good relationship,’’ said Repak, who is a counselor at Centennial. “Bartt and I have different styles on certain things and there are some growing pains in that sense.’’

Centennial had about nine returning players from last season.

One of the leaders is first baseman Taylor Underwood, Bartt Underwood’s daughter.

“It could have been a tough situation for her, her dad no longer coaching, but she has turned it into a positive,’’ Repak said. “She is a model athlete and person. She has a positive attitude and work ethic.’’

The team had to resolve pitching and catching situations.

Repak said it has been “catcher by committee’’ and the pitching is being done by a junior and a freshman.

The freshman, Paige Mills, is showing promise to the degree that she has been coached by former University of Arizona and U.S. Olympic star Jennie Finch. Finch even attended a Desert Mountain tournament early round game, according to Repak.

Another key player is junior center fielder Abby Beasley.

“She has a lot of athletic ability and she has some power,’’ Repak said.

Centennial begins Desert West Region play on Monday (March 28).

What must the Coyotes do to compete in the region and perhaps make a run at another state title?

“We need to execute and try to not make too many mistakes,’’ Repak said. “The ball is in our court. We have a good shot at the region. And in the state tournament, almost anything can happen. I don’t think there’s any team that has been blowing people away.’’