Hopes are running high that this year’s Plains High fast pitch softball team will be able to turn a blend of experience and youth into a winning product on the field.

The Trotters return 12 players from last year’s team, including pitcher Piper Bergstrom, senior Madison Elliot and Celsey VonHeeder.

The Trotters opened their season this past weekend at the Polson Fast pitch tournament, which featured teams from Plains, Polson, Columbia Falls and Butte Central. They played Polson, a talented A level team in the first game of the year and were shutout 10-0 as the Plains bats could not catch up to Polson pitching.

At the same time, Polson hitters put together some impressive power hits including two home runs and other timely hits to build the lead and force the game to be called after five innings due to the 10-runs behind rule.

Undaunted, Plains came out against Columbia Falls and put two runs up in the early innings of their next game before Columbia Falls batters began to connect. By the fourth inning, Plains was trailing 9-4 (no final score was immediately available).

Despite the rocky start, hope reigns supreme that things will be different against B level competition.

“The team this year has a wide range of skills coming into the season, but with that being said I am very excited to see all the girls in action,” head coach Kati Mitchell said as the team went through preseason practices last week. “Both the new and the experienced players have great skills and knowledge of the game”.

The question going into any fast pitch softball season is how strong is the pitching staff. That being said, Mitchell said she is confident defense will be one of the strengths of this year’s team.

“All of the girls have such an amazing attitude and drive already,” Mitchell said. “The strengths that I anticipate will be our defense. We have a few athletes that are very versatile and can play in many other positions, not just one”.

As the season unfolds, Mitchell said coaching emphasis will be on learning all aspects of the game.

“Having a teaching background, my goal is to ensure that all athletes have the opportunity to be taught the fundamentals and knowledge to become better team players,” she added. “I am also a big believer in teaching the girls some life skills while learning all aspects of the game”.

Gone from last year’s team are Sklar Bergstrom, Kenzi Blood, Krystena Boes, Genna Deschamps, Carlie Wagoner and Dacia Black.

Despite the loss of those players, Mitchell said she looks forward to developing the new players on this team and helping everyone get better.

“The athlete’s development comes first and winning should be the last outcome because all the short term goals that have been taught and practiced with your athletes should have a positive outcome at the end of any type of competition”.

Plains will have little time to reflect on the opening two games as Sanders County rival Thompson Falls come to town to take part in the latest chapter of the long-standing competition. The game is set for this afternoon (Tuesday) at Plains High school.