DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Bethune-Cookman's quest for a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference softball championship four-peat continued this week as the team resumed practice in preparation for its season opener February 9-10 at the Florida State tournament.

The Wildcats finished 30-31 last season after a 6-20 start, but took the MEAC tournament in four straight games - three decided by one run - to advance to the NCAA Regionals. B-CU fell to host Texas A&M and Texas State in their third consecutive regional appearance.

B-CU returns leading hitter Michelle Banuelos-Smith, shortstop Aurelia Gamch, third baseman Kelsey Rodney and pitcher Shanel Tolbert, who recorded all 30 victories last year.

A challenging non-conference schedule includes games with Florida State, Louisville, Ohio State, Temple, Utah and Loyola Maramount before MEAC play begins in full March 29 at North Carolina Central. B-CU will host the MEAC tournament May 10-12 in Ormond Beach.