Spring is in the air. And so is the sound of softballs being sent into the outfield.
Yes, it’s that time of year again, and the Yuba College softball team is starting up a new season. With four returning faces and eleven new faces, the season is looking good.
Last season, Yuba had its fair share of troubles. “There were a lot of problems last season, with communication and Kathleen’s injury,” said sophomore Meghan Hauk, speaking of Kathleen Bishop’s wrist that she broke during a practice last year. “We had a lot of talent. There were just problems.”
“This year,” sophomore Stephanie Cardenas explained, “we have the talent and the dedication. We definitely have the talent.”
“I feel really good about this season,” Cardenas continued. “We have a lot of hard workers, a lot of heart. There is a lot of potential.”
Preseason puts Yuba up against the top 15 teams in the state. Yuba was 0-4, after playing Sierra (12-0), Shasta, College of the Redwoods (7-1) and Sacramento City (11-0).
“Sacramento City is the best in Northern California,” said sophomore Kim Misulich. “We hung in there against them last year.”
On February 14, the 49er’s lost against Cosumnes River College (8-2) and against Feather River College (10-1). That leaves the team 0-6 so far.
The next game, an away game, is February 21 against American River College. The first home game for Yuba softball is on February 25 against Butte College and San Joaquin Delta College.
The first game commences at 10 a.m. The second will begin at 2 p.m.
This is a time for the team to step back and see where other teams are and where their own skills lie. “This is for us to see where our skill is, so we can improve throughout and be at our best for conference,” said Cardenas. “Just as long as we hit and play good defense, I think we have a good chance.”
The team would like to see a Bay Valley Conference banner in the gym announcing them to be one of the top teams in Northern California.
Sophomore Sienna Trapp said, “It would be nice to finally get our banner. We are a lot stronger this semester. The freshmen are really great. All three of our pitchers are freshmen. Preseason is tough, but it helps us get an idea of where we are.”
Everyone agrees that the team has a good chance this year to come out on top in the Bay Valley Conference and then state championship.
The team looks really good so far. The combination of a new sense of dedication and new talent, they should be able to overcome any of the obstacles that they faced last spring.
Come out and support the team this season.
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