The Wayland High School softball team plans to begin the season a bit early, at 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 30, with a non-conference doubleheader against Byron Center on their own field. The Lady Wildcats are defensing O-K Gold champions and they annexed district and regional titles as well. Coach Cheri Ritz is welcoming back a solid group of returning veterans to make yet another run. The team is striking a defiant locker room pose here.