During her first three seasons at North Texas, Lisa Johnson paid attention to every move players like Mallory Cantler and Mariza Martinez made.
She noticed when they spoke up and when they stayed quiet while serving as UNT's unquestioned leaders.
What Johnson learned could go a long way toward determining if the Mean Green can overcome expectations that are pretty low heading into UNT's 11 a.m. season opener today against Oklahoma State at the University of Houston tournament.
UNT was picked to finish seventh in the nine-team Sun Belt Conference after finishing last in the league with 7-16 record in conference play a year ago.
UNT finished 22-30 overall and will have to rebuild after losing Cantler and Martinez, a pair of seniors who were staples in the Mean Green's lineup for years.
Those rebuilding efforts will center on Johnson, UNT's lone preseason all-conference selection and one of its veteran leaders.
"I had some great upperclassmen ahead of me that last few years," Johnson said. "I am taking what I learned from them and am putting my own spin on it. I think I'm doing a good job of it. I learned when I should talk and when I should keep my mouth shut and lead by example."
Johnson hit .218 with six home runs as a junior.
While Johnson will be back at second base, UNT has moved other players into new spots around her.
Brooke Foster will move from third base to shortstop, while Lesley Hirsch will play left field.
"Right now we look pretty good," UNT head coach T.J. Hubbard said. "Everyone has adjusted to their new spots. We look solid defensively, and offensively we have looked good. We are right on pace to be ready to go."
Ashley Kirk is expected to be UNT's top starter and will lead a pitching staff that will include four players who are expected to play key roles. Lauren Poole, Brittany Simmons and Madison Thompson will also pitch.
"We have four capable pitchers," Hubbard said. "This staff is definitely well-rounded."
The question for UNT will be how a team with a few players who are new to their positions or new to the team will come together.
"We have a different attitude this year," outfielder Megan Rupp said. "We are the underdogs and have something to prove. We are ready for the challenge."
UNT expects the league to offer a stiff challenge.
Perennial power Louisiana-Lafayette was picked to win the conference title in the preseason coaches' poll. The Ragin' Cajuns are the four-time defending league champion.
Hubbard said he expects there to be at a few teams that will challenge ULL this season.
UNT hopes to be among them after suffering through a disappointing season last year.
"Last year we had some bad luck and lost a lot of games in the last inning," Hubbard said. "We have been working on maintaining our composure and staying consistent all seven innings. We have a good shot.
Johnson will play a key role in helping UNT overcome low expectations heading into the season and believes UNT has the ability to break through and post a winning season.
"I think we have a shot," Johnson said. "When the coaches poll came out, we were ranked seventh. I think they are in for a rude awakening. We did lose a lot of players, but with the new girls we have in, it is a totally different dynamic. We will shock a lot of people. We have talent and the game that we play is a little different. We have different types of players who fit well together."
Hubbard feels good about Johnson playing a key role in leading a new-look team.
"Lisa filled the leadership role even last year when Martinez and Cantler were here," Hubbard said. "She and Rupp will take over those spots along with Catilin Grimes behind the plate. I feel good about Lisa being in that role."
BRETT VITO can be reached at 940-566-6870. His e-mail address is bvito@dentonrc.com .
