The White River High fastpitch program – coming off three straight appearances in the state Class 2A tournament – appear stocked for another postseason run.

White the offensive dominance of Sam Mitchell will surely be missed, second-year head coach Brandon Walker returns nearly his entire starting lineup.

The fastpitch game is controlled by pitchers, and White River sends out junior Kayla Smith, honored last season as the pitcher of the year by South Puget Sound League 2A coaches. Natalie Vollandt was a solid No. 2 hurler and returns in that role – when she isn’t holding down first-base duties. As an everyday player, Vollandt was an honorable mention all-league selection during her freshman campaign.

Pitchers will be throwing to junior Kenadie Smith, who moves from the infield to behind the plate.

The infield is solidified by Maddie Meyer, who slides from second base to third, and incumbent shortstop Brooklynn Isaacs. Isaacs was a first-team all-league player a season ago and Meyer received honorable mention.

The outfield provides room for newcomers, as second-team player Jordan Jacobs is the only returnee. Walker figures the speedy Jordanne Fray will patrol center defensively and create trouble for the opposition on the basepaths.

The rest of the varsity roster includes Brittany Harder, Kennedy Ledbetter, Ashley Long, Bailey Mannie and Mallory Lubking.

Walker figures he has plenty of pop in the lineup – supplies primarily by Isaacs, Smith and Vollandt – and perhaps greater team speed than a season ago.

The 2013 Hornets won 22 of 28 games. The team went 12-2 in league play and 15-4 during the regular season. That was capped with five straight playoff victories and an appearance in the state tourney, where the team split four games.