Five games to follow: Softball

The softball season gets underway on Monday, and there are some big games on the schedule.

Here's a look at some of those key early games.

• Spaulding at Timberlane, 4 p.m. on Monday: The Owls start the defense of their Division I title against a Red Raiders team that could be a contender for this year's crown.
• Milford at ConVal, 4 p.m. on Monday: Likewise, the Cougars will open their season as defending Division II champions against a Milford team that has a new coach - former Souhegan coach Jim Rines - and could be one of the top teams in the division. ConVal pitcher Courtney Fisher enters the season with 581 strikeouts and could challenge for the state record this season.
• Epping at Wilton-Lyndeborough, 4 p.m. on Monday: The Warriors have been in the Class S/Division IV final eight times in the last nine years. The Warriors start their quest to return to Plymouth against the Blue Devils.
• Oyster River at Trinity, 4 p.m. on Tuesday: The Bobcats enter the season looking to snap a lengthy losing streak. Oyster River has lost 98 straight games.
• ConVal at Windham, 4 p.m. on Wednesday: ConVal gets another challenger to open the season when the Cougars go on the road to face the Jaguars, who have made back-to-back quarterfinal appearances.