Practice at the baseball field is already intense, though it’s early in the season.

“We’re practicing at 100 percent the whole time,” says head coach Zach Habben. “We expect it of the guys, and they’ve bought into that.”

Many of the team members play multiple sports, which helps them stay ready, says Habben. Most are upperclassmen, alumni of the 15-8 team that was stopped in the post-season by a 2-0 loss to Shorewood at regionals.

“We were one game away from state,” sighs Habben.

They will go that far again, say the team leaders.

“Our pitching looks really good this year,” says junior Ried Lutz, a catcher and first baseman, following a team jamboree last week.

“I don’t think the competition is going to be any tougher in 4A,” adds Isaac Mullins, a senior and a pitcher on the team.

They agree that a return trip to state — Mount Si won the state baseball championship in 2011 — is in order.

“We just need to stay in our comfort zone and play our game,” said Lutz.

Mount Si High School Boys’ Baseball Schedule:

Monday, March 23 At Lake Stevens HS, 4 p.m.

Wednesday, March 25 At Eastlake HS, 6 p.m.

Friday, March 27 Hosts Newport, 4 p.m.

Saturday, March 28 At Kentwood, Safeco Field, 4 p.m.

Monday, March 30 At Redmond, Hartman Park, 6 p.m.

Wednesday, April 1 Hosts Inglemoor, 4 p.m.

Friday, April 3 At Issaquah, 4 p.m.

Wednesday, April 8 Hosts Bothell, 4 p.m.

Friday, April 10 At Woodinville HS, 7 p.m.

Monday, April 13 Hosts Skyline, 4 p.m.

Wednesday, April 15 Hosts Eastlake, 4 p.m.

Friday, April 17 At Newport HS, 4 p.m.

Monday, April 20 Hosts Redmond, 4 p.m.

Wednesday, April 22 At Inglemoor HS, 6 p.m.

Friday, April 24 Hosts Issaquah, 4 p.m.

Wednesday, April 29 At Bothell HS, 6 p.m.

Friday, May 1 Hosts Woodinville, 4 p.m.

Monday, May 4 At Skyline High School, 4 p.m.