GREENFIELD — The Arabians look to defend a somewhat surprising 2016 sectional championship beginning with a 5:30 p.m. Monday start against conference foe New Castle. This time around, Pendleton Heights will have to play on the road and, as one of the favorites this year, will not sneak up on anyone.

Here is a quick look at the six teams of Sectional 9.

ANDERSON (13-12) — If Anderson continues to score better than nine runs and 12 hits per game, it will be tough to beat. Juniors Sierra Cunningham (.447, 4 HR) and Rachel Duncan (.475, 14 doubles) and sophomore Emma Kelley (.452, 4 HR) lead a potent Anderson attack. Sophomore Shelby Wright is the top pitcher for Anderson with a 4-3 record and a 4.29 ERA and has a solid defense behind her with a .943 fielding percentage.

GREENFIELD-CENTRAL (19-6) — The Cougars are one of the favorites in this sectional. Not only is Greenfield-Central the home school this year, it has also proven it can win low scoring games or slugfests and had a 15-game winning streak at one point this season. Senior Morganne Denny is the most dangerous weapon in a potent offense. She has hammered nine home runs, driven in 25 and is hitting at a .500 clip. Senior Michala Ballman leads a balanced pitching staff of three with an 8-1 record and a 2.10 ERA. The Cougars will play Muncie Central in the second first round game Monday, May 22.

MUNCIE CENTRAL (2-13) — The Bearcats are the team that would be happy with a moral victory when they open against the Cougars. Muncie Central has lost nine in a row and has been outscored during the streak 137-12.

NEW CASTLE (13-9) — Eight of the wins the Trojans have pulled out this season have come against teams in Class 2A or lower, but they have struggled against 4A teams. New Castle is a young team with only one senior making significant contributions. Sophomore Cameron Tabor leads the youth movement with a .491 average, six home runs and 21 RBI, while junior Mariah Nicholson hits .438. The pitching staff ERA is 4.54 and is led by senior Gabby Perdew, who is 5-6 with a 4.24 ERA. The Trojans will open the sectional against Pendleton Heights, at 5:30 p.m. Monday.

PENDLETON HEIGHTS (19-8) — Thanks to three tournaments early in the year, the Arabians have more game experience than any team in this sectional. The Arabians are currently on their third four-game winning streak and also have a five-game streak this season. Senior Ashley King (.487, 26 RBI) and junior Lauren Landes (.471, 3 HR, 7 triples) led the offense, which supplements its small ball attack (32 SB) with plenty of pop in the lineup. Senior Audrey Ricker heads up a deep pitching staff with a 9-4 record and a 2.88 ERA.

RICHMOND (11-7) — The Red Devils are the fifth team with a winning record entering sectional and, along with Anderson, drew a first-round bye into the semifinals. The low-key offense averages just seven hits per game but is led by senior Brooklyn Vickers with a .412 average and 11 RBI. Richmond has hit just four home runs this season, but has stolen 25 bases and has a solid number one starter in junior Bekah Johnston. Johnston has a 7-5 record with a 2.13 ERA in 79 innings pitched.