The first day of practice left large doubts for Issaquah fastpitch softball coach Jim Magnuson  —  not to how well his team would perform in 2011, but if there would be a team at all.

“It was a scary start,” said the Eagles’ ninth-year coach. “We were thinking about saying, ‘We can’t do this.’ We only had six kids the first day.”

Since the bumpy start, Issaquah has more than doubled its output of athletes. The Eagles were helped largely by a group of enthusiastic freshmen and former youth softball players.

“We’re going to make it,” Magnuson said.

Leading the group of returning players from last year’s 12-10 KingCo 4A playoff team are junior pitcher Brielle Bray and sophomore catcher Heather Benjamin.

Bray saw significant time behind current University of Pennsylvania pitcher Mikenzie Voves as a sophomore. She brings heat from the pitching circle, but also has a repertoire of off-speed pitches, including a knuckleball.

“Brielle is lights out,” Magnuson said.

According to her coaches, Benjamin has one of the best arms in the league behind home plate.

There is a core of other key components returning from last year’s varsity team, including senior Hanna Dingwall; juniors Traci Castonguay, Stephanie Balkman, Shannon Heneghan and sophomores Lacey Westman and Taylor Ladd.

Junior Sarah Hitchings will replace shortstop Christian McKone, who transfered out of the district. Hitchings ran track the last two seasons, but played a significant amount of Little League softball, according to her coaches.

“She’s a quality athlete, who can play shortstop for us,” Magnuson said. “That is a huge pickup for us.”

Freshman outfielder Allison Aahl is another player with extensive experience at the youth level, while freshmen Laura Gabica, Maisie Luis and Sierra Walker bring enthusiasm and athleticism to the field.

“We had some freshmen come up who have never played before, but so far, they’re good athletes, have good attitudes and they’re fast,” Magnuson said.

With such small numbers, health and eligibility will be key for the Eagles this season. But Magnuson remains optimistic about what Issaquah can accomplish this season, noting it will only take a top four finish in a five-team division to make the league playoffs.

“Our goal for this year is to stay together as a team, to challenge ourselves no matter what happens and to stay positive,” he said.

The Eagles, who started practicing on Feb. 28 aren’t scheduled to play a game until April 4 against rival Skyline. That game is expected to be pushed back another week because of spring break.