The Mount Si High School softball program looks to open the decade by getting back to a perch they enjoyed for part of the last decade: postseason success.

The Wildcats, coached by Larry White for much of the past 10 years, have only missed the postseason twice since White was hired: in 2002, his first year, then again in 2007. Last year, they narrowly missed their fourth state appearance of the decade. This season, the Wildcats aim to break that door down and get back to Tacoma, something Mount Si has not done since 2006.

“You can expect a team that’s going to be really competitive,” White said.

White will be in his ninth season at the helm of the Wildcats, and he comes off a 15-14 campaign which ended in heartbreak at the SeaKing District Tournament last spring, as Mount Si blew out to a huge lead against West Seattle only to lose the game in extra innings and have their season come to a crashing end.

“They’re still stinging from that last ball game of last year,” White said. “I think all these girls have one thing in mind.”

The Wildcats return a solid corps of talent, led by the pitching duo of junior Alex Johnson and sophomore Anisa Wingsness. The field also looks strong with sophomore infielder Maura Murphy and junior catcher Carly Weidenbach helping the cause.

Senior first baseman Brielle Buhner will look to fill the shoes of Melissa Webster, who graduated last spring and is now part of a strong Pima Community College squad in Arizona. Buhner, who herself has committed to a community college (one in Texas which her dad, Jay, played baseball at many years ago), is looking forward to filling those shoes.

“I’ve been busting my butt in the offseason trying to get in shape,” Buhner said. “The knees are strong, the thumb’s good, the head’s in there. I’m just ready to get out and compete.”

Mount Si has some solid newcomers, too. Freshman infielder Lauren Smith, who did very well last fall as a member of the Wildcat volleyball team, comes to the program with solid club experience — she plays for the Northwest Ladysharks, out of Kirkland. Smith looks to bring that to the table this spring.

“For a freshman, Lauren brings a lot of maturity,” White said. “She’s a really strong girl with a great attitude.”

Another freshman, Miranda Rawlings, brings a speed component which will be useful to helping the offense in ballgames. She also brings a key intangible — competitive spirit.

Juanita looks to be the league favorite, largely because of their top pitcher, senior Kylie Sparks.

“Kylie is a great pitcher over at Juanita,” Buhner said. “She’s got some skill.” Also look for Bellevue and Liberty to possibly make some inroads in Kingco this season.

This year’s Wildcat team has the most experience since the 2004-05 group which included Kandis Clesson, Amy Trenkamp and Kayla Jayne, among others. Johnson looks to Clesson for inspiration.

“Kandis is definitely a role model. She was my first pitching coach, so she’s definitely a role model of mine,” she said.

Mount Si opened play in Wenatchee, then plays at the University of Washington. The goal is simple.

“I think we can win state,” Johnson said.