The Hornet stars are aligned for the Enumclaw High fastpitch team to climb to the top.

Last year, the Hornets took the league title, followed that feat with a subdistrict and district crown and finished eighth in the Class 3A state tournament.

With many of the top all-league performers returning to the field, Enumclaw is good pick to repeat as champion from league to district and challenge for state.

Coach Mike Jay has been leading the squad for five years and has been working from the coaches box for three decades.

He and his staff are primed for another top-tier season.

Returning for the Hornets are seniors Alicia Cassell and first team all-league catcher Becky Forza.

Also back is senior Sarah Morrow, a first-team all-league shortstop who has been throwing from the hole for three years.

Joslin Pierotti, a senior and first-team all-league utility player is back, as is junior Chloe Young, a first-team all league at third base.

Junior Tammy Wilkening, a first-team all-league center fielder will be back with juniors McKenna Patrick, Meagan Johnson and sophomore Rechelle Dunn.

On the mound is hurler Quinn Breidenbach, a sophomore and first-team all-league pitcher.

Jay wrote in an email the team’s goal is to “continue to improve from opening day to the last game we play.”

The team finished with a 13-2 league record, 22-5 overall with a 6-2 record in postseason play.