With a strong core of returning players, a postseason appearance certainly seems possible for the 2009 edition of the White River High soccer program.

“We should get to the playoffs,” said assistant coach Travis Tremblay, who is back at the helm with head coach Russ DeFord.

Last year’s squad placed fourth in the South Puget Sound League 3A, trounced Renton in a crossover game and then came up a game short in a bid to make the state playoffs, losing 3-2 to Capital High.

Last year’s group started a bit slow but picked up the pace as the season progressed. Tremblay said the veteran nature of this year’s team should allow more success from the get-go. He pointed to experienced players like Jarrod Adams, Nathan Jung, Brad McArtor, Jesse Ritz, Evan Robertson and Chase Butler. That group provides a balance of offense and defense and Tremblay is confident the Hornets have a quality stopper in goalkeeper Paul Root.

“Paul will keep us in a lot of games,” Tremblay said, offering that Root could have started last year for a handful of league squads.

The Hornets will bypass any of the season-opening jamborees and look toward Tuesday, when Auburn Mountainview visits the White River campus. Even though the Lions are SPSL 3A members, the game will not count toward the league standings. The two will meet later in the season for their official league encounter.

Reach Kevin Hanson at khanson@courierherald.com or 360-802-8205.