Duluth Marshall baseball made it all the way to the section 7AA championship last year, but couldn’t get their hands on the championship trophy. Known as the young team in the Northland for the last few years, the group of seniors are ready to go.

“We’ve been the youthful team of the state for many, many years,” said Nick Garramone, Duluth Marshall’s head coach. “Now we’re real top heavy with juniors and seniors. So it’s a different look, it’s a different feel, it’s a smaller roster size. So I really think the keys to success for us is doing well-rounded little things. Offense, defense, running the bases. Ultimately, we have to play together.”

Being the younger players on the team for so many years, the senior Hilltoppers have plenty of advice for those looking up to them.

“Work hard every day at 110% is what our motto is. I’d say that the upperclassmen gave me the advice of just being a great leader and fostering good relationships with my teammates,” said Owen Marsolek, a senior pitcher.

“We have only 16 players on our team, so it’s obviously a really small group. But it’s all older kids. Everyone’s in high school this year except for one or two guys, but we’ve had seventh and eighth graders on our team ever since I’ve been here since freshman year,” said Max Berrisford, a senior catcher.

Their season opener against Esko, who beat them in that championship game, was postponed. The Hilltoppers’ will take the diamond on Friday against Denfeld at 4:30 p.m.