NASELLE — It’s a new season and a new era for the Naselle softball team.

The Comets have 21 players on the roster this season, including returning all-league members in junior Brooke Davis, senior Evelyn Normand, sophomore Haylee Rose and Avrey Ford, and freshman Jessie Smith. Normand is the lone senior on the roster. 

Naselle lost two starters to graduation from a team that finished 3-13 last season, including a third-place finish in the Coastal League.

The Comets will benefit from having several returning players with experience, although one position still being sorted out is the pitching rotation.

“I had six pitchers throwing the other day in warmups,” said Naselle head coach Kendall Ford, a former assistant now entering her first season as head coach. “It’s been a spot we’ve really been focusing on. I think we’re going to be pretty solid everywhere else.” 

The overall team camaraderie and utility of the players — several of whom have experience at multiple positions — has been a strength heading into the season, scheduled to start Monday, March 18, at home against Knappa.

“We’re pretty solid with hitting and fielding. I have 14 girls that could be starters, but I only have nine spots. We get along, it just feels like a different season,” Ford said.

With Ocosta moving from 2B to 1B this season, the Wildcats are anticipated to be among the strongest teams, led by all-state senior pitcher Jessie Gilbert.

“They have a pitcher that throws around 65-70 mph,” Ford said. “You’ve got to hit the ball and put it in play with her.”

Ford will be joined by assistants Lily Harman, Taylor Eaton Gudmundson and Rob Dalton.

Naselle softball 2025 schedule

March 18 Knappa 3 p.m.

March 21 at Oakville 4 p.m.

March 25 at Wahkiakum 4 p.m.

March 27 NVOHS 4 p.m.

March 28 Ocosta 4 p.m.

March 31 at Toutle Lake 3 p.m.

April 1 Wahkiakum 4 p.m.

April 3 Ilwaco 4 p.m.

April 17 Clatskanie 3:30 p.m.

April 18 at Oakville 4 p.m.

April 22 Wahkiakum 4 p.m.

April 24 at Ilwaco 4 p.m.

April 25 Wahkiakum 4 p.m.

April 28 Oakville 4 p.m.

April 29 Lake Quinault 4 p.m.

May 2 at Lake Quinault 4 p.m.