The Oak Harbor fastpitch rotation will feature Emily-times-two.

The Wildcats return six letter winners from last spring, and two are the mainstays of the 2011 pitching corps, Emily Hunt and Emily Saar.

They will be tossing to catcher Shawna Steele, a two-year starter and all-Wesco honorable mention selection.

Others returnees are Samm Zimmerman (utility/pitcher), Morgan Young (shortstop/outfield) and Hannah Salmons (catcher/utility).

Two other players, Kelsey Rankin (first base) and Marissa Fakkema (utility) who sat out last year, also return to give the team added experience and depth.

Coach Jess Weikle said, “Our outlook for the season is hopeful. The girls share a steadfast attitude and are improving and working hard daily. Our goals are to continuously improve our skills and team unity to compete in our league. Each practice our athletes are working on specific skills and meeting daily objectives. We, of course, are looking to win more than a few games while doing so.”

Weikle said her team’s strengths are “positive attitude, dedication to improvement, solid returners and effective leadership from team captain Emily Hunt and other returning athletes.”

Oak Harbor, 2-18 in 2011, goes to the Marysville-Pilchuck Jamboree at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 10, and then travels to Janiki Field to face state-power Sedro-Woolley Monday, March 12, at 4:30 p.m.