The Heart of Iowa Activities Conference does not take potential team strength into consideration when making its schedule. That’s why PCM (Monroe) and Greene County are opening the 2105 high school softball season against each other in Jefferson tonight at the City diamond on East Lincolnway. There is no JV game, so it’s one varsity contest at 6:30 p.m.

The Mustangs won the HOIAC title outright last season at 16-2, 22-7 overall, and one win short of the State Tournament. Coach Tom Kennedy’s Rams were 29-8 last season, second in the league at 15-3, and third at the Class 3A State Tournament. Both teams need to replace catchers from a year ago, both the pitching is back. PCM returns the duo of Rachel Freland and Kayla Jennings while the Rams counter with first team all-stater Marissa Promes. In addition, Greene County has eight batters who hit .300 or better last season. Emily Christensen was a second team all-state shortstop and a total of seven Rams earned all-conference honors of some type following the 2014 season.

Greene County softball is set to make its debut on KG98 on Wednesday, May 27 in Jefferson vs. Colfax-Mingo at approximately 7:15 p.m.