Peninsula’s softball players had hoped to make their final season at the college a great one.

Early on this spring, however, the Pirates are finding it hard to get an actual game going.

After Douglas College bailed from P.C.’s scheduled season opener on March 13, the Pirates and Green River Gators agreed to cancel their March 18 doubleheader because neither team would have enough eligible players. Several players had finals in their classes.

The make-up date with Green River, originally set for March 30, also has been postponed, Pirate coach Jim Cheney said.

The P.C. coach said the cancellations are frustrating.

That means the first time the Pirates hit the field is this week – March 23-25 – in Arizona, against some big junior college clubs.

The Pirates were slated to play South Mountain C.C. on March 23. They play Arizona Western on March 24 and Scottsdale on March 25.

"We expect to see some tough competition," Cheney said. "We’ll see what we need to work on, … what we need to put on the chalkboard."

The Pirates return home to host Skagit Valley on April 6 and travel to Bremerton to play Olympic on April 9.

Cheney said the Pirates look good in practice.

"Last year, our strong suit was hitting and I think it will be (again) this year," he said.

With 16 players on the roster, the Pirates have more options and depth than in 2009.

NWAACC North standings

(as of March 22)

Team Rec.

Peninsula 0-0

Skagit Vly. 0-0

Bellevue 2-3

Shoreline 5-7

Everett 3-7

Olympic 0-4

Edmonds 0-6

* – note: all records nonconference