MOUNT BAKER

MOUNTAINEERS

Coach: Ron Lepper

Last year: Finished tied for third in the Class 2A Northwest Conference standings with an 8-5 record. ... Ended season after going 0-2 in the Class 2A State Tournament and finished 14-10 overall.

Players to watch: Megan Young (sr., IF); Emma Lallas (jr., OF); Lacy Postlewait (so., OF); Tawni Galbraith (sr., OF); Aleks Toivola (so., P); Emily Yost (so., OF/C)

Outlook: Losing three of four starting infielders hurts, so there's no wonder why coach Ron Lepper is preaching the importance of team defense to the Mountaineers. Still, Mount Baker returns a number of talents, and that starts with All-NWC shortstop Megan Young. Lacy Postlewait, Emma Lallas, Emily Yost and Tawni Galbraith also logged varsity innings last year. Sophomore pitcher Aleks Toivola returns to the circle after a strong showing her freshman year, and Lepper likes what he sees from her so far this season. "She is going to be our go-to girl like she was last year," Lepper said. "I like the way she handles herself, and I'm glad she's on our side. We're going to lean on her a little bit until we know we can do things defensively." Mount Baker has a couple newcomers Lepper is excited to work into the mix. Senior Aysha Schwinden returns after missing last season with an injury, and her sister, freshman Akemi Schwinden, figures to log some innings. Fellow freshman Emily Brandland, who wrapped up a strong varsity basketball season, stands as Baker's back up pitcher and should see some time in relief of Toivola.

2013 ROSTER

No. Player Yr. Pos.

1 Mariah Ladd Sr. IF

2 Lacy Postlewait So. OF

4 Tawni Galbraith Sr. OF

6 Megan Young Sr. IF

8 Ivy Locke Jr. OF

9 Emily Brandland Fr. IF

11 Aysha Schwinden Sr. IF

12 Heidi Chambers Jr. IF

13 Aleks Toivola So. P

16 Rocky Rollins Jr. C

20 Emma Lallas Jr. OF

22 Emily Yost So. OF/C

33 Melissa Bass Jr. IF

44 Akemi Schwinden Fr. IF

2013 SCHEDULE

March 12 Anacortes 4:30 p.m.

March 15 at Lynden Christian (Bender) 4:30 p.m.

March 19 Nooksack Valley 4:30 p.m.

March 22 Bellingham* 4:30 p.m.

March 26 Ferndale* 4:30 p.m.

April 1 at Cashmere 1 p.m.

April 1 at Cascade 3 p.m.

April 9 Lynden Christian* 4:30 p.m.

April 11 at Nooksack Valley* 4:30 p.m.

April 16 at Sehome (Frank Geri)* 4 p.m.

April 18 at Lynden* 4 p.m.

April 22 Burlington-Edison* 4:30 p.m.

April 26 at Sedro-Woolley* 4:30 p.m.

April 30 Blaine* 4:30 p.m.

May 3 Squalicum* 4:30 p.m.

May 3 Squalicum 6:30 p.m.

May 7 at Anacortes* 6 p.m.

May 8 at Meridian* 4 p.m.

*NWC game

Reach ANDREW LANG at andrew.lang@bellinghamherald.com or call ext. 862.