By KEN HAMWEY,

Bulletin Sports Writer

Bellingham High softball coach Courtney Parker says her team is more seasoned and more comfortable than it was last year. It also has a better idea of what to expect.

Last year’s squad, which finished 5-15 and split a pair of games in the playoffs, was competing after the program went dormant for the 2023 season. With low numbers and only freshmen and eighth-graders available, a year off to regroup seemed necessary.

“We didn’t have any seniors on last year’s team, and now we’ve got 13 returnees with varying degrees of experience,’’ Parker said. “Our goals are to remain competitive, strive to reach .500 and qualify for the tourney again.

At the Bulletin deadline, the Blackhawks were off to a slow start, losing four of five games. A victory over Ursuline would have left them at 2-3, but a late-inning lead evaporated into a 2-1 loss. There’s still time, nevertheless, to fulfill their goals.

The Blackhawks have a plethora of strengths. “Besides experience, we’re eager to learn, we’re versatile, coachable and able to adapt,’’ Parker noted. “Our pitching, athleticism and team chemistry are assets and we’re still working on improving our skills and techniques.’’

The Blackhawks will be led by co-captains Cassidy Leger, a senior right-fielder, and junior pitcher Jacobi Houston. Both lead by example and are supportive of their teammates.

“Cassidy is an incredible athlete,’’ Parker offered. “She’s got speed, good range and a strong arm in the outfield. A three-year varsity player, she’s got a tremendous work ethic and is very coachable. Her batting average was .364 after five games.

“A right-hander, Jacobi had an E.R.A. of 3.43 and 72 strikeouts in 71 innings last year. She also hit .484 and had 21 RBIs. Her best pitches are a screw ball and a change-up. Her velocity is good, in the upper 50 mph range, and her control is excellent. Our ace pitcher, she’s got a high softball IQ. When she isn’t pitching, she can play shortstop.’’

The infield includes juniors Lorelai Grant and Morgan Goyer at first base; junior Ainsley MacNeil at second; junior Ashley Kamin at shortstop or third base and sophomore Lilly Proler catching. After five games, Proler was hitting .357 and Kamin’s average was .333.

“Lilly is the quarterback of our infield,’’ Parker noted. “She works hard, is solid on defense, blocks the plate effectively, has a strong arm and is a powerful hitter. “Ashley is swift and agile and is powerful in the field and at the plate. She reacts quickly, making her a standout in the field.

“Lorelai is a rock-solid fielder and a powerful hitter. She’s also dedicated and leads by example. Morgan has power. She’s refined her defensive skills and now is more well-rounded. Ainsley also has improved on defense and is vocal and supportive.’’

Besides Leger, the outfield consists of sophomore Megan Skarin and junior Hayley Higgins. “Megan is vocal, covers a lot of ground and is fast,’’ Parker said. “She’s very coachable and unselfish. Hayley has speed, also covers lots of ground, and has a strong arm. On offense, she hits for power.’’

When Houston isn’t pitching, sophomore right-hander Trista, Corshia will be on the mound. “Trista relies on a fastball and change-up,’’ Parker said. “She throws in the 50-mph range and has improve her velocity. Last year, she won five games and struck out 52 in 45 innings. She’s got lots of energy and has a positive attitude.’’

Freshman Kaleigh Simpson, who was hitting .429 through five games, is a utility player who’ll see action catching, at second base, shortstop or the outfield. Sophomore Julia Simon is a reserve outfielder. “Kaleigh is athletic, very fast and versatile,’’ Parker said. “Julia is strong, fast, quick, and also versatile.’’

Parker, a 33-year old native of Bellingham, has a staff of assistants she labels as “knowledgeable and relating well with the players.’’ They include Nikki Sandell (jayvee coach) and voluntary varsity aides Devin Woodman, David Espinoza and Doug Houston.