For the first time in two seasons, the Central Kitsap High School fastpitch team will have a different No. 1 pitcher.

The team enters 2010 without the services of Carolyn Cross, the two-time Central Kitsap Reporter Female Student-Athlete of the Year who now plays at Pomona College in California.

Central Kitsap advanced to the Class 4A state tournament for the third time in as many seasons in 2009 behind Cross, who compiled a 17-6 record in 141 2/3 innings. She finished the season with 132 strikeouts to 18 walks, throwing 72 percent of 1,956 pitches for strikes. She also hit .404.

Now senior Kim Chase assumes the top pitching position after a strong summer playing select ball.

“If she pitches like she did, she will do very well,” coach Bruce Welling said.

In addition to Cross, the Lady Cougars lost seven players from a 2009 squad that secured the school’s first state-tournament victory since 2000. Among the departures were second baseman Erin Curtis, catcher Katie Hanten and outfielder Julie Fergus, all of whom were first team all-league players.

Five players from last year’s team are now playing college ball.

But Central Kitsap returns a solid nucleus in first baseman Sarah Buskirk, infielders Jenna Bartlett and Whitney Samora and outfielder Naomi Stocks, who last season finished with a team-best .460 batting average.

Those players will lead a team that figures to have one of the more reliable defenses in the Narrows League.

“We had a very strong infield last season, and I expect that to continue,” Welling said.

Offensively, Central Kitsap may have more speed than ever. Welling also believes seven of the nine starters are capable of hitting the ball out of the ballpark, with Stocks leading the way.

Welling has built a strong tradition at Central Kitsap and he expects the success to continue this season. He said the team, featuring eight freshmen, needs to play to its potential, minimize mistakes and stay healthy.

If that happens, Welling added, the Lady Cougars have the ability to qualify for state for the fourth consecutive season. They’ve been 11 times since 1992.

“We can be good this year too,” Welling said. “But you still have to play every game and do what you’re supposed to do.”