Season Preview: Vaquero lineup is filled with fresh faces

SBCC will have a freshman-dominated lineup for the 2016 softball season. There are 15 first-year players and two sophomores on the roster for 18th-year head coach Dr. Paula Congleton.

"We have a mix of some very talented and eager freshmen, plus a few sophmores," said Congleton. "Our schedule will be a challenge for our young team. Playing against teams like San Diego City, L.A. Harbor and El Camino will force us to step up early in the season in order to get our chemistry in sync."

The Vaqueros open on Friday, Jan. 29 with a home doubleheader vs. San Diego (12:30 p.m.) and L.A. Harbor (4:30 p.m.). They'll play 17 of the next 21 on the road with the only home dates on Feb. 19 (doubleheader vs. Canyons) and Feb. 20 (twinbill vs. El Camino-Compton Center).

SBCC will host its annual Bash at the Beach with eight teams playing four games each on March 19-20.

Bill Hilliard is starting his 13th season as Congleton's top assistant coach. Kailey Snyder, a former Vaquero and All-American at Colorado State, is the pitching coach. Justine Bosio, an ex-Dos Pueblos High star and graduate of Colorado State-Pueblo, joined the staff this year.

Sophomores

Third baseman Christal Vierra and outfielder Marissa Pratt, a transfer from Clark Community College in Vancouver, Wash., comprise the sophomore class. Vierra earned All-Western State Conference honors as a freshman for the Vaqueros, hitting .348 in conference. Pratt hit .333 for the Penguins last season.

Pitchers

Madison McNamee (Cabrillo High, Lompoc) and Rebecca Pullen (Henderson High in Nevada) will share duties on the mound.

McNamee had a stellar high school career, earning Los Padres League MVP honors and showcasing her riseball through the CIF championships. Pullen was a premier pitcher at Henderson High and for her travel ball team, the Little Rebels.

"They will complement each other well," says Congleton. "They're learning quickly and are anxious to compete at the collegiate level."

Catchers

A trio of players will see time behind the plate. Connie Towne (Kendrick, Idaho) returns from  winter break after having MCL surgery in October. "Coming off a strong fall, she has leadership and good presence behind the plate," noted Congleton.

Lauren Bodden (Covina, Calif.) will also share the duties behind the dish and play first base. The third catcher is Aria Head, a utility player from Santa Barbara High.

Infield

Alexa Sorensen, a freshman from Hillsdale High in San Mateo, will spend the majority of her time at first base. Sydney Townes, a first-team all-leaguer from Cabrillo High, will play second base and shortstop. "With power at the plate and good speed, we are looking for Sydney to help this young team contend for the WSC title," Congleton stated.

Alyssa-Rae Jewell (Santa Ynez High) has shown enthusiasm and quickness a second and shortstop. "Alyssa is fast and smart and possesses solid defensive skills and a good bat," said Congleton.

Delainy Ogan, a talented player from Carlsbad, Calif., will play shortstop. Christal Vierra (Roseville, Calif.) and freshman Lyndsi King (Baldwin Park) will handle the hot corner at third base and provide power in the middle of the lineup.

Outfield

Congleton will have lots of options with six outfielders vying for playing time. Monica Salas, a freshman from Dos Pueblos High, has shown outstanding ability in center field. "Not only does she have great reactions, she proved to be one our top hitters in the fall," said Congleton.

Lauren "Hope" Ballard (Highlands Ranch, Colo.) was impressive in spring practice and is expected to see action in left field. Two outfielders with speed and quickness are Maggie Jo Jackson, a left-hander from Tempe, Ariz., and Marissa Pratt, a sophomore transfer from Boardman, Oregon. Another local product, Marissa Cordero of Bishop Diego High can play multiple outfield positions.

Felicia Granlund is a freshman from Sweden. "She improved tremendously in the fall and continues to develop her skills," Congleton noted.