At first glance, it might appear the Eastlake fastpitch team is young — possibly inexperienced.

Not so fast.

While the Wolves have just two seniors on this year’s roster, they return seven juniors who played on last season’s KingCo 4A playoff team.

Mixed with a group of young sophomore talent, Eastlake is already off to a fast start, going 2-0 over tough non-league competition.

“We’re coming together,” second-year head coach Al Leaverenz said.

Third baseman Lindsi Augenstein is technically the only returning senior from last year’s 10-10 team. Augenstein, who is also the only player to see time on the 2008 state championship team, was ranked among the best hitters in the league last year with a .378 slugging percentage. Outfielder Mercedes Bass missed her junior season with an injury, but returns to the team this year.

Leading the group of returning juniors, the Wolves get back starting pitcher Nicole Guptil. As a sophomore she posted a 6-8 record in league with a 1.84 ERA and 111 strikeouts — third most in KingCo 4A.

“She did most all of our pitching last year, and it will probably be the same this year,” Leaverenz said.

Other juniors returning to the team include shortstop Kathryne Staudinger, center fielder Sammi Stavig, outfielder Katie Brinton, outfielder Riley Elliot, outfielder Jena Eggelston and first baseman Morgan Conover.

There are also several sophomores on this year’s roster, including standout catcher Kelsey Dempsey.

“When you’ve got a catcher with an arm, it’s kind of like do you let her throw during warmups, do you hide that,?” Leaverenz said. “With her it’s do it now, show it off now.”

Other sophomores expected to make immediate impacts include second baseman Stephanie Clay, and utility players Maddie Napier, Lexie Jaeger, Kelley Cote and Srisa Ebinger.

Eastlake continues to tear the cover off the ball, racking up 21 hits in its first two games. Leaverenz credits moving back the pitching circle from 40 feet to the college standard of 43 feet.

“Throughout the lineup, everybody is hitting,” he said. “We haven’t had very many strikeouts, that’s good. The balls have been in play.”

Leaverenz also highlighted the importance of defense.

“We’re very happy with what we’ve seen the two games and it’s going to be key this year because more balls are going to be put in play,” he said. “Defense is going to be the key.”

If the Wolves can continue down the path they’ve started, their ultimate goal should be well within reach.

“The girls want to go to state, I want to go to state,” Leaverenz said.