February 4, 2010
SEASIDE, Calif. – A core group of veterans and nine highly-touted newcomers consisting of junior college transfers and freshmen comprise a 2010 Cal State Monterey Bay softball squad that enters the year with high expectations. The Otters look to repeat as California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Tournament champions.
After posting the most wins in school history last season and making its third appearance to the NCAA West Regional, the Otters are ready to take the next step.
“I have a solid group of returners this year and a talented group of new athletes,” said fifth-year head coach #Andrea Kenney#. “I also have been fortunate enough to have consistency in my coaching staff for the past three season; Pitching coach #Nicole Deatherage# and outfield coach #Carlotta Zuali# have done an outstanding job.
“I am proud of the progress we have made in just four seasons and am excited to continue working hard to take the next step towards excellence.”
With five returning starters and a solid pitching group the squad is armed with some of the CCAA's most talented veterans at key positions.
Pitchers
With the graduation of #Jessica Boyle# and #Michelle Tating#, the Otters had added junior college transfers #Diane Ortiz# and #Lisa Hernandez# who led Mt. San Antonio to a California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) state championship. Coach Kenney expects great things this year from returner #Jessica Moon# and junior college transfer #Nicole Garcia#.
Catchers
Behind the plate, CSUMB returns All-CCAA second team catcher and conference home run record holder junior #Shae Olds#. As a sophomore last season, she emerged as one of the nation's top power hitters, leading the conference and finishing 24th nationally with 15 home runs. Olds also led the CCAA in slugging percentage (.733).
Providing backup for Olds will be junior college transfer #Shannon Bailey#, a graduate from Antelope Valley College. During her freshman year, Bailey led her team to its fourth consecutive Foothill Conference Championship and was named Conference Catcher of the Year.
Infield
CSUMB boasts a talented group of infielders this season, including returning starters #Marisa Trujillo#, #Jenny Montez# and #Niki Ames#.
After red-shirting last season, Trujillo returns to first base for the Otters and will provide valuable experience in the infield. Garcia will also be competing for time at first base when not in the circle for the Otters.
This year, Montez will be making the transition from outfield to second base for the Otters. She finished the 2009 season third in runs scored (36) and fourth with a batting average (.343).
With the graduation of four-year starting third baseman #Ashlee Trotter#, three players will be vying for the starting spot. Junior #Cat Sampson#, a transfer from University of Indianapolis, will compete with sophomore #Amanda Guzman# and freshman #Amanda Good#.
Outfield
CSUMB will have some new faces in the outfield this year. Sophomore #Jamie Moon#, CSUMB's primary first baseman last year, will be making the move to center field. Junior #Channing Peebles# who saw limited action in the outfield in 2009, will be competing for the starting spot with junior college transfer #Shannon Bailey# along with freshmen #Skyler Valdivia# and #Angelina Orozco#.
Schedule
As usual, Kenney has set another challenging preseason agenda for the Otter, which will be followed by another run through the nation's most competitive softball conference. CSUMB will play in the Best of the West Invitational this weekend, hosted by Cal State Stanislaus in Turlock. The Otters open with Grand Canyon in the morning on Friday before facing No. 11 Humboldt State in the afternoon.
The following weekend, the Otters return to Turlock to kick off their conference season against the Wildcats of Cal State Stanislaus. CSUMB's home opener and homecoming is Feb. 19 against Chico State.
