The Coupeville High School baseball team is coming off one of its most successful seasons ever, and the club’s aim is to match that effort this year, according to coach Willie Smith.

The Wolves advanced to the state tournament last year where it lost a 2-1 heartbreaker in the first round.

“My goals are very similar to last year: we want to get in the playoffs, get to the state tourney and win some games there,” Smith said. “As successful as we were last year, the last game still stings for me, and the boys are feeling confident in their ability to get back and move along further.”

Graduation robbed the Wolves of five starters, including league MVP Ben Etzell; however, five letter winners return.

“We did lose a lot from last year, but we also built a strong foundation for our program, and there is a strong core returning from last year,” Smith said. “If we can continue to grow and build, then I truly believe we can get back to the tourney.

“We will have to stay injury free and our young guys will need to step up; but unlike past years when we’ve lost such a strong group, our young guys won’t need to carry the team; they will just need to complement our team and stay within themselves.”

Another positive, Smith said, is the success many of the players have had in other sports this year, which should provide confidence and help during tough spots.

Returning players include seniors Aaron Curtin (pitcher/infield), Aaron Trumbull (pitcher/first base) and Josh Bayne (shortstop) and juniors Cole Payne (catcher) and C.J. Smith (pitcher/infield).

Bayne and Trumbull were second-team, all-league choices last year; C.J. Smith was honorable mention.

Key newcomers are senior Kyle Bodamer (outfield/infield), sophomore Clay Reilly (outfield) and freshman Hunter Smith (outfield/pitcher).

The mound staff should be solid with starters Curtin, C.J. Smith and Trumbull back, as should the infield with Curtin at third, Trumbull at first and Bayne and C.J. Smith in the middle.

One of the keys to the season, coach Smith said, is finding a backup infielder to fill in when Curtain and C.J. Smith take the mound.

Another concern is the outfield, which lost all three starters. So far, Bodamer and Reilly are likely starters, according to Smith.

Coach Smith expects the top of the batting order to be strong, and he likes his team’s speed. Though the Wolves don’t have any “big boppers,” they should be able to produce runs.

Coupeville will play in the Olympic League for the first time, and Smith sees Klahowya as the biggest obstacle in winning the league crown.

The Eagles return all nine starters from a team that reached the 2A regionals last spring.

“I’ve been very impressed with the work ethic and hustle of our kids so far,” Smith said. “The older guys are doing an amazing job with the young guys, coaching and encouraging them, and the young guys have been very receptive.

“It’s a very positive, energetic group that likes to have fun and has also been willing to put in the time to really work to improve. Very excited about the new league, our non-league schedule and the prospects of our season.”

The Wolves begin the season with two home, non-league games. Blaine visits at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 14, and then Sultan comes to town at 4 p.m. Monday, March 16.