By David Pan/Lynnwood Today editor

The Meadowdale softball team may be young but that shouldn’t be a roadblock to success in 2014.

The Mavericks only have two seniors, however, they return all but three players from last year’s team, which won the district championship and finished third overall at the Class 3A state softball tournament.

Yet one of those three missing players was extremely instrument to the team’s success, pitcher Alyssa Reuble, who is now at Seattle University.

Meadowdale will turn to a pair of sophomores  – Reuble’s younger sister, righthander Julia Reuble and lefthander Samantha Gregoryk. Reuble saw some action with the varsity team, while Gregoryk played junior varsity and then was added the postseason roster.

“They’ll share the duties on the mound,” said Meadowdale coach Dennis Hopkins. “It may be the whole game or it may be a partial game. We’ll see what their strengths and weaknesses as we go through the season.”

What gives Hopkins confidence is the group of players backing up Reuble and Gregoryk out in the field.

“Losing our stud pitcher kind of hurts,” he said. “But the rest of our defense is really good.”

Back in the infield are first team, all-league third baseman Haili Taylor, second-team, all-league first baseman Ashley Brooke and shortstop Hailey Costello. The outfield is led by Tiffany Dewayne.

Meadowdale also should provide ample support for their pitchers with some good power.

“One through nine can all hit, which was our strength last year,” Hopkins said.

Already the Mavericks flexed their bats as they defeated district rival Edmonds-Woodway 13-3 (5 innings) in a non-conference game Tuesday at Meadowdale High School. Costello was 3-for-4 with two home runs and a double.

The returning players definitely want to continue Meadowdale’s postseason success.

“Once they get a taste, they want to keep going to state,” Hopkins said. “They have the desire to go back again. They also want to bring home another district title.”