Softball boasts depth

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Author: Ryan Whalen

Just one week into the season, the Occidental women’s softball team is already one win away from tying last year’s victory total. After posting a disappointing 4-28 (2-22 SCIAC) record last season, the team has taken its first steps towards an improved season with a doubleheader sweep over non-conference opponent Hope International University (HIU) on Saturday and a split against Pacific University in Sunday’s home opener in which Jerika Barron (junior) hit a walk-off triple in the first game.

The team boasts a multifaceted, balanced roster this season. Five returning seniors and five first-years have provided a great deal of depth and flexibility to an already mature and well-rounded lineup. Ali Goldberg (first-year) is currently leading the squad with a .400 batting average, which she complements with three RBIs, three extra-base hits and a stolen base.

Barron, Ashley Noone (senior) and Jacqueline Shimamoto (junior) are tied for a close second, each hitting .333 and combining for thirteen hits and six RBIs. Noone’s battery mate Brittany Vacura (senior) is off to a 3-0 start in the circle, striking out 19 and recording a 2.41 ERA through 20.1 innings of work.

New head coach Alison Haehnel took over the softball program this off-season after previous head coach Jodie Cox accepted an assistant coaching position at UC Riverside. Haehnel has experience as both a player and a coach, pitching for the University of Illinois at Chicago and coaching for Concordia University Chicago for the past three seasons. Although she did not take part in the Tiger’s recruiting this past season, Haehnel mentioned that the change was rather easy, especially with such a disciplined team.

“The transition was very smooth,” Haehnel said. “The team is highly motivated and has worked hard during a thorough and intense preseason.”

The Tigers’ game plan is to have a balanced attack on both the defensive and offensive side of the game by utilizing the entire lineup. Haehnel pointed out that although she has a great deal of confidence in the team and their skill, the ability to maintain team balance will be crucial for a successful season.

“Our strength overall is the balance within the team,” Haehnel said. “There is a strong pitching staff along with strong fielding to back them up. There is a great balance of speed and power in the lineup as well, but the key will be working hard to create that balance everyday, in practice and in games.”

Upperclassman Jackie Shimamoto (junior) spearheads the Tiger’s versatile attack. Last season, she led the team in batting average (.417), slugging percentage (.567) and runs scored (16), earning her the honor of Second Team All-SCIAC. Haehnel did not hesitate to give positive feedback about the veteran slugger

“She is a competitor,” Haehnel said. “She is a technician in the batter’s box and can do it all, from bunting to hitting with power to the gaps. She is a quiet leader, one who leads by example.”

Shimamoto acknowledged that in order to achieve her own goals and help the team improve, she must put in the time and effort during practice.

“I can always improve, I practice all the time in order to do the best that I can,” Shimamoto said. “Personally, I hope to earn a spot on another All-SCIAC team, but as a team, we are trying to improve our winning percentage, and that is what is most important.”

Defensively, the Tigers have reloaded the pitching staff with returner Kathleen McLain (senior), who was injured last season, Angelica Preciado (first-year) and Ali Goldberg (first-year). Ace Brittany Vacura (senior) and veteran Amber Garland (junior), who pitched for over a combined 200 innings last season, anchor the deep rotation. Experienced backstop Ashley Noone (senior) will be a mainstay behind the plate.

“Having five pitchers will really benefit the team because it will allow everyone to be one hundred percent,” Vacura said.

The mound will not be the only place sporting new faces, as first year Mariah Montgomery looks to complement shortstop Barron at second base. Senior Patricia Phillimeano will be making the majority of the stretches at first base.

With a 3-1 overall record already in the books, the team will open conference play with a doubleheader at home against Chapman this Saturday at noon and 2 p.m.

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