After a third-place finish and a loss in the sub-district games last year, the Bonney Lake Panther baseball team is looking to improve on their 9-11 record this season.

The team lost two players to graduation last season, but according to coach Mike Olson, neither was a everyday starter so the Panthers are returning nearly their entire squad.

According to Olson, returning shortstop Michael Gretler, infielder/catcher Ty Hander and center fielder Dylan Moran are already having great springs and he expects them to step up when the season gets rolling.

In addition, Olson said first-time varsity players Cory Buril and Cole holt have shown some “great flashes” early this spring as well.

Several All-South Puget Sound League first- and second-team choices will also be back and swinging bats for the Panthers this season. Olson said he expects continued improvement and success from pitcher and catcher Nate Potterf, first basemen/pitcher Joey Gamache, outfielder/pitcher Taiki Green and outfielder/pitcher Chris Brown.

All three of Bonney Lake’s scheduled games last week were postponed or cancelled due to weather.

Games were scheduled Monday against Sumner, Tuesday at Timberline and today, Wednesday, against Decatur. The team is also scheduled to play at Peninsula Friday.

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