The Big Lake Baseball Team is hoping to make it a few steps further than it did a season ago when they finished with an even .500 record.

The Hornets lost to Monticello last year in the sections after failing to hold a 5-0 lead. The Magic went on to take third in the state.

“We have the players who can do it this season,” says Coach Loren Holthaus.

Big Lake has three of its four main pitchers returning from last season: Owen Wilczek, Isaiah Terlinden and Jeffery Wanhala. Ninth-grader Jackson Laroche, who did well at the plate last year, is expected to be another starter this season.

The Hornets had more trouble on offense than pitching last season. And Holthaus says improving at the plate is a big focus. But it won’t be easy without last year’s catcher Keenan Hjermstad, who batted .400, and second baseman Nolan Reiter who stole 30 bases.

This season, Laroche, Brendan Goetker and Trenton Throolin will battle for the catcher position.

Austin Schleif and Conner Stukenholtz and returning outfielders and connor Cusick is returning as shortstop. Holthaus says there are a number of other players who can play infield and outfield. Those spots will be filled as the season gets underway.

Holthaus says the team has to have the confidence that it will succeed..

“We’re trying to get a culture of baseball here and have these guys believe that they are good enough to make it to the state tournament,” he says. “We always need play and practice at that level. Our goal is to get better every day. And my goal every year is to get to the state tournament.”

Weather permitting, the Hornets host North Branch Tuesday and Princeton Thursday, both games at 4:30 p.m.