With head coach Shane Hilstrom entering his eighth season at the helm of the baseball program, the boys are preparing for another hit season. With last year’s record of 18-10, the Pumas face another “brutal” schedule, according to Hilstrom.

For the first time, Perry will open its season at home on Feb. 26 against Pinnacle. Including the Pioneers, the Pumas’ schedule is full of 2013 playoff teams, such as Boulder Creek, Desert Ridge, Hamilton, Mountain Pointe and Corona del Sol.

Even with that schedule, the coach says as long as his players unite, they can achieve their ultimate goal of returning to the playoffs.

“Everybody’s got to be on the same page,” he said. “We’re capable of being one of the better teams.”

The 2014 squad has six returning starters, including seniors Brady Weiss, Brady Hettinger, and Kyle Huckaby, as well as juniors Austin Bull, Jeremey McCuin and Tyler Watson.

“This is probably the best defensive team I’ve ever had,” Hilstrom says, but notes that the hitting and pitching, while capable, are unproven at the varsity level.

“Our ultimate goal is to make the state tournament,” Hilstrom said. The Pumas will have a pre-season scrimmage at Williams Field on Feb. 21 before opening the regular season against Pinnacle.