Although two freshmen will anchor the pitching staff, the Olympic High School fastpitch team expects to return to the postseason in 2010.

Last season Olympic advanced to the second day of its district tournament, nearly qualifying for state. Coach Dusty Anchors believes the team can better that performance behind the incoming arms of Jamie Barry and Christina Bigelow,

“Our goal this year is to get one step further,” Anchors said. “That one step further gets us to state.”

The Lady Trojans return eight players from the 2009 team, including six starters, but they lost their No. 1 pitcher in the graduated Kelsey Strickland. Her departure opens the door for Barry and Bigelow, both of whom have played select ball but never pitched at the high school level.

Anchors said there is pressure on both of them, but he is confident they have what it takes to carry the team.

“In a fastpitch sense, they are going to have to grow up in a hurry,” Anchors said. “For any good program, it starts in that 8-foot circle.”

Much of Barry and Bigelow’s success will hinge upon the defense around them.

Olympic has a strong defensive unit led by senior catcher Jessica Klump, who will guide the freshmen pitchers through the season. She will be asked to provide leadership to the two young arms, particularly early in the season if they struggle with the transition to high school ball.

“She’s got to make sure they stay in line and stay on task,” Anchors said. “If they get rattled, she has to be able to calm them down.”

A few starting positions have yet to be finalized, Anchors said, because some players are battling injuries or grade problems.

Junior Kira Varady will shift from second base to shortstop and sophomore Ashley Wright is slated to start at third base. First and second base, however, are up for grabs.

Seniors Sarah Bay and Alicia Caspery, junior Linzee Orteza and sophomore Destinee Sellberg are vying for starting outfield positions. Seniors Jennifer Hammond and Samantha Thornton could land infield positions, as could junior Rachel Jordan.

It will take a few weeks for Anchors to settle on a lineup.

The team also is without Lexi Orteza, Stephanie Meigs, Kim Laur and Miranda Sanderson, all of whom graduated. Orteza, Laur and Sanderson are playing at Olympic College.

“We’re kind of having to readjust,” Anchors said. “The players are going to have to earn their spots. It’s a battle.”

Olympic opens the season at 4:15 p.m. Monday at Peninsula High School. The home opener is at 4:15 p.m. March 19 against Port Angeles High School.

Did you know?

Olympic advanced to the second day of the two-day Class 3A West Central District III tournament for the first time in school history in 2009.

Klahowya

A preview of Klahowya’s 2010 season will appear Monday.