By RYAN RICHTER

Staff writer

Thinking about what went right for the Trojan softball team in 2017 isn’t a big thought process.

Very little did, and despite getting the season off on the right foot with a win in the season opener, it went south right after to the sour notes of 3-17.

What doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger, though, and despite the rugged season, the Trojans are a year older and ready to redeem themselves.

That’s maybe one way to look at the 2018 season, and Trojan coach Stephanie Sinclair is feeling much better than she did a year ago.

“Things are definitely looking a lot better,” Sinclair said. “We’ll be fairly young again, but the girls are gelling better, we’ve got a lot of kids stepping up, and we’re deeper than we were a year ago.

“I really expect we’ll be better and we’ll have a better year. Everyone’s been working and we’re improving. Our defense and hitting are better also.”

Five starters return to Sinclair’s team, including an improved Taylor Helmer on the pitching mound.

Outside Helmer, the Trojans return three others that could see time on the hill, and Sinclair has an assortment of players that are capable at playing multiple positions.

When senior Sarah Jost isn’t in the outfield or helping in the infield, she’s one that can throw.

The sophomore season was a learning one for Cheyenne Bernhardt, and with a year under her belt, she’s able to fill in at pitcher, outfield, as well as behind the plate.

The Trojans figure to be solid on the infield, led by senior Ellie Weisbeck on first base and sophomore Trinity Marler.

Samantha Moss will fit in either at second or shortstop and offering Sinclair a third option at catcher.

Keep an eye out for freshman Dani Klein, whose hitting, knowledge of the game, and defense allow her to fit in about anywhere on the field.

Hillsboro opens the season Tuesday at home against Nickerson.