Head coach Rachel Lawson

Senior shortstop Molly Johnson

Starting Thursday night, the UK softball team will step into new territory.Never having been to the NCAA Tournament before last season, the Cats will try to build off high expectations for the first time in program history and top last season’s historic run.The road ahead certainly won’t be easy as UK once again faces one of the toughest schedules in the nation. But what head coach Rachel Lawson has on her side that few other schools can boast is a team that returns nearly ever key cog from a season ago, including All-American shortstop Molly Johnson and pitching aces Chanda Bell and Rachel Riley.Kentucky begins its season Thursday night at 9 p.m. ET in Tempe Ariz., vs. Arizona State in the Kajikawa Classic. UKAthletics.com will provide live statistics and ongoing coverage throughout the tournament. For more on the softball season, check out the season preview: Softball not settling for just good.