SNOQUALMIE – If last Saturday’s performance by the Mount Si girls softball team in two mini-games at their preseason jamboree at Centennial Fields is any indication, it appears that they’re ready to fulfill the high expectations that many will have for them this season.

Junior Kandis Clesson pitched a strong first mini-game against Redmond, while freshman Katie Brett did well in the second mini-game against Liberty. The mini-games were three innings apiece, and while the score was not officially kept it was evident that the Mount Si defense was strong in both mini-games. The offense lit up Liberty sophomore pitcher Melissa Warren in the second mini-game.

The jamboree was played under a cloud, not just from the sky but for the Wildcats, as well. Last week senior catcher Erika Evans left the team, leaving freshman Katie Shaw as Mount Si’s primary catcher. This will be Clesson’s third catcher in three seasons with the Wildcats, a change that could be difficult for Clesson, but the star junior pitcher appeared ready for the challenge.

“Katie [Shaw], I met during the winter, and we worked out all winter long together, and she’s really good,” Clesson said. “She’s 1-1 throwing people out, so that’s always a plus. She’s fun to have around and she’s doing a good job so far taking Erika’s [Evans] spot so she’s stepping up.”

The Clesson-Shaw battery is at mid-season form.

“It’s nice that we got to work together all winter long and we were ready to play our first game, so it worked out really well,” Clesson said.

Brett pitched a decent mini-game too, but those parents with young athletes know that sometimes they can be their own toughest critics. No exception with Brett.

“I just try my best. I didn’t really do that well. I know I can do a lot better,” said Brett, citing the cold weather and an ankle problem for her difficulty on the mound.

Brett was not the only one playing with an ankle injury; junior first baseman Katie Morgan sat out with an ankle injury as well.

Shaw’s play received accolades from Wildcat coach Larry White.

“She’s done a real nice job. She showed a lot of maturity for her first time behind the plate,” White said.

The Wildcats open the regular season this week. They open their home schedule Thursday at Centennial Fields. Mount Si’s first league game is Monday, April 4, at home against the Bellevue Wolverines, who, despite a new coach, continue to improve as a team and will be a tough squad to beat.

All home games start at 4 p.m. at Centennial Fields in Snoqualmie, 39801 S.E. Park St., next to Snoqualmie Elementary School.