by Eric Yang
Staff Writer

The SCC Women’s Softball team is getting ready for a playoff push. Their season starts on March 1 at Big Bend Community College.

The team won eight games last season. However, there is reason for optimism this season as three returning players will unite with eight newcomers.

According to head coach Lance Swehla, this year’s strength is the pitching staff. “We have three legitimate pitchers this year, compared to last year [when] we did not have any,” he said. “This will make the difference between winning and losing.”

This team is well rounded on most fronts, but Swehla sees the middle infield as a point of emphasis because he would like to have more depth. He wants to see more middle infielders or more versatility on the squad.

Sophomores Katie Fuller and Ali Jordan are leaders of this softball team. “They are the true leaders because they are willing to be vocal and not be passive,” said Swehla. “They work very hard and they lead by example and that is a leadership quality that is necessary in order for other players to see what they do to get better.”

The players are looking forward to a great run. “The fact that this is probably my last season playing competitive softball and our team looks great with a good group of girls,” said Fuller. “We can accomplish a lot of stuff with our talent and win games.”

Jordan concurred with her teammates, citing the passion and overall ability in which they approach their craft. “We have a full team with pitching plus we have a very good group that wants to play and love the game,” she said.

First-year player and freshman Britney Thilbodeaux was quick to agree with the team’s attitude and goal for the season. “I think we can be a really good team this year,” she said. “We are going to have a great team all around and I think we can go far.”

Some of the players are looking forward to playing in the playoffs. Others want to go against Bellevue and Everett because they want to prove that they can compete and be on the same level as them.

After all is said and done its time for the players to put in their work and prepare for what is going to be a long and great season.

The Dolphins are determined to make the playoffs and have fun while doing it. Now it’s time to start the season and let them have at it. This team will take what they are given and are now ready to compete at a high level.