A trio of three-year starters will anchor an Oak Harbor High School softball team looking to get back into the district playoffs.

Tricia Sarns and twin sisters Alexa and Kelly Findley give first-year coach Tashina Tosh a veteran core to lead her young team.

Sarns and Alexa Findley each earned second-team, All-North honors last year; Alexa Findley was also named Oak Harbor’s Most Valuable Player.

Other returnees are senior Taylor Heidt, juniors Elizabeth Adams and Shea Davis, and sophomore Samantha Payne.

Key newcomers, Tosh said, are junior third baseman Audrey Howard, freshman centerfielder Kaylee Andersen and freshman second baseman Brooke Wilson.

Another important newcomer, according to Tosh, is assistant head coach Kayla Goff, who started for North Florida University during her playing days.

The defense, centered around three-year starting pitcher Sarns, is a team strength, according to Tosh.

Tosh also likes her team’s depth and the leadership of captains Alexa and Kelly Findley.

“The girls are welcoming the changes,” she added in reference to her taking over the program. “We have new faces all around this year, so it took a little getting used to; however, they understand my philosophies now and the seniors are leading from the front.”

One of Tosh’s personal goals is for her team to finish above .500 and qualify for the postseason.

“I would love to say win districts and progress onto regionals; however, moving on from a two-win season, improvement is the biggest goal.”

Oak Harbor plays in the Marysville-Pilchuck Jamboree at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 12.

The Wildcats go to Mount Vernon at 4 p.m. Tuesday, March 15, and then play at home for the first time at 4 p.m. Monday, March 21, with Anacortes.