MARYSVILLE — Marysville-Pilchuck senior softball captain Abi Otto wants to lead her team to state.

“We have a really young team, and this is the best team we’ll probably have for the next four years,” she said. “I really am enjoying it, and I’m hoping we can make it to state.”

She went to state once before as a freshman. She played a “big part” in getting M-P there by hitting a two-out double against Arlington to score the winning run in districts.

“I think Abi sees a lot of her as a freshman in this year’s freshman class,” coach Aaron Zachry said. “She was that freshman starter with good softball skills chomping at the bit to prove herself.”

The second-year captain has played the game her whole life and has been a regular starter for the Tommies.

“Abi is a team leader; she started here for four years,” Zachry said.

Otto is a sure-handed ballplayer who can do it all, Zachry said.

“She’s been around the softball field since she’s been five-years-old,” Zachry said. “She can play pretty much anywhere. Maybe not a catcher, but she can catch in the outfield. You can put her in any of these places, and she’ll do just fine.”

She specializes at third base, but a shoulder injury has her playing at first base until she is healthy.

“I would much rather have my senior third baseman over there to do some stuff than her being over at first base,” Zachry said.

She can hit, too, at the plate, possessing a strong power swing being able to hit the gaps, Zachry said.

“It’s what I expect out of her as a senior leader,” Zachry said.

“I have an appointment soon,” she said. “I will hopefully be back at third base in a week or two.”

Though possessing proficiency in the diamond, her strongest strength is leading her team out of tough situations.

“I’m always loose and having fun,” she said. “I’m not like tense even under circumstances when things are crazy. It’s the most fun I have usually.”

She did just that in M-P’s game against Arlington March 30, where the Tomahawks rallied to win 8-6. M-P’s fielding was able to hold down Arlington in the final inning.

“She’s that kid that likes pressure. She likes being in the spotlight,” Zachry said. “She’s grown up a lot in the last four years. She used to be that kid that used to be hard on herself.”

She leads by example.

“She really helps out these younger girls,” Zachry said. “We have three freshmen on varsity she’s mentoring.”