Pitching and consistency are two major factors in winning softball games, and fortunately for the Hornet softball team, the 2001 season could feature both. After a 25-30 overall record and a dismal 7-17 record in Big West conference play, Kathy Strahan is more confident than ever about the success of the team.

“I haven?t been this optimistic in a long time about a team in the preseason,” Strahan said. “We have seven juniors that I am very confident with and our pitching staff is very strong and should be the backbone of our team.”

The center of attention on the pitcher?s mound so far has been freshman right hander, Nicole Deatherage. The 2000 Oak Ridge High School graduate has already knocked off a perennial top 25 team in Stanford this fall.

“Nicole has done a great job for us so far and has shown great improvement since she came in,” Strahan said. “She enjoyed great success during high school and if she continues to improve throughout her career she could be an All-American before it?s all over.”

If that hasn?t shown enough confidence in her player, Deatherage will receive the starting nod against another powerhouse in Michigan to lead off the Campbell Cartier Classic in San Diego on Feb. 15.

Other pitchers to watch for are sophomores Gina Steenburgen and Jillian Bivert. Returning at catcher is Patty Villa, who earned All Big West Conference second team honors last season after moving over from second base to catcher after Jenny O?Leary went down with a knee injury.

Another player to look for is junior transfer, Mary Villalpando. After a successful two-year career at Sacramento City College, Villalpando has been working as a third baseman and also as a shortstop.

“Mary has done a real nice job so far,” Strahan said. “She is a multi-talented player and I have been impressed with her mental toughness. I look for an immediate impact from her.”The Hornets will have a very difficult schedule this year.

“We weren?t very consistent last season,” Strahan admitted. “We beat UCLA (who played in the College World Series) early in the season then lost to teams like Santa Clara later on, so consistency is a big deal and this team can start a tradition.”

The Hornets will host an alumni game on Feb. 10 at noon at Shea Stadium.