Softball players look to fill spots with season approaching

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Sac State softball finished 22-22 last season.

State Hornet Staff

The fresh cut grass, newly leveled dirt and the sound of the bats echoing off the water tank means only one thing, softball season is here. Sacramento State has been preparing since fall for the season opener on Feb. 8.

First-time college head coach Lori Perez has revamped the look for Sac State softball everywhere from uniforms to the way the team practices. Perez said the team is prepared for the season to start against the University of the Pacific.

“We are ready for the season. We pushed the last two weeks of practice, but we tapered off so we can be well rested next weekend against Pacific,” Perez said.

Sac State spent all winter working more on fundamentals than scrimmaging in practice, but as the season opener is inching closer for the Hornets Perez and the assistant coaches have ramped up the intensity of practices.

“One of our goals as a team is to be accountable and come in wanting to play well this season,” Perez said. “We still are at the fundamentals stage right now, but we are getting more into game situation practices and scrimmages.”

With the early exit in the first ever Big Sky Conference tournament last season, Sac State brought in new players that have plenty of pop in their bats.

A few new players include sophomore first baseman Sasha Margulies and freshman Jessica Ravetti, who have proved in fall ball they should be a huge help this season.

Margulies, a transfer from Ball State, said that not only her, but her team as well is going to produce runs this season.

One of the holes that Sac State tried to compensate last season was the absent power from the first base position. However, with the help of the hitting coach Danielle Kaminaka, Margulies and Ravetti have filled the opening.

“Our team power is going to be good this year,” Margulies said. “We should have a lot of pop on this team. We changed our weight routine, which will benefit us in how we will hit the ball this season.”

The Hornets rotated three players at first base that included former player Molly Smith, junior Riley Price and sophomore third baseman Alyssa Vanderdrink. Vanderdrink proved to be the answer last year for a short fix, however, she will move across the infield to play her natural position.

One of the reasons why Sac State found its way into the first ever Big Sky tournament was because of the pitching. Junior and senior pitchers Caitlin Brooks and Taylor Stroud finished with a 1.81 and 2.47 ERA, respectively.

Brooks also finished last season ranked in the top 50 in the nation in both ERA and hits allowed per seven innings ranking her 11th in the nation with 4.7 per seven innings. Stroud, however, struggled last season finishing the season with a 4-10 overall record.

A big part of the rough season for Stroud was the adjustment in taping of her fingers. Even having a year to deal with the tape, Stroud said it will never stop bothering her.

“The tape issue on my finger is still there but it’s not going to be a problem,” Stroud said. “I have learned to adapt to the tape and be a better pitcher for my team.”

According to the poll that came out last week, Sac State was voted to place in second place in conference.

Perez has not shown her cards in who will be consistent starters this season, but it’s looking good for Margulies at first base, senior Yesenia Alcala at shortstop, right fielder Paige Martin and sophomore Kortney Solis will be catcher.

Perez said the depth of this team will give her the opportunity to rotate players freely throughout the season.

“Other than those set starters, there may be a chance that we will have Jessica (Ravetti) and Alexis Martinez see a lot of their time at the designated player position,” Perez said.

Martinez, who injured her knee last season, was clinically cleared by a doctor to start playing this season. However, Perez said Martinez is a long ways from playing in a game right now.

The Hornets will start their season in a double-header on Saturday in Stockton, Calif. against Pacific.

Clifton Jones can be reached on Twitter @SH_Sports