PORT ANGELES — What is it with the Port Angeles 16-under softball team, that no matter who the players or coaches are, it advances to the World Series year after year?

“It’s a good program with good coaching,” said Taria Hendrickson, one of four World Series veterans on the 2004 team that is leaving for the 16-U World Series in Abbeville, La., this afternoon.

“And it helps to have some veterans returning each year,” Hendrickson added. “The other players know how much fun we had last year at the World Series.”

The North Olympic team will be leaving from Swain’s General Store, 602 E. First St., at 5 p.m. today to make the long trip to Louisiana.

“We will be taking the red-eye flight (out of Sea-Tac) at 11:30 Wednesday night,” said Kati McCaslin, another veteran.