A stadium renovation is only one of the many changes made to the Sacramento State softball team.

Following a disappointing 18-33 record in 2002, head coach Kathy Strahan is eager to start the new season with a different look. The Sacramento State softball team will feature an assortment of changes in 2003 that should prove effective in turning the team from a Big West middleweight to throwing a few knockout punches in the newly- formed Pacific Coast Softball Conference.

The Hornets, previously in the Big West, have made a move to the new PCSC for 2003. The PCSC will allow the Hornets to be more competitive than they were in their previous conference.

The first-year conference will include Loyola Marymount, Portland State, Saint Mary’s, San Diego and Santa Clara.

In a preseason poll voted on by league coaches, Sacramento State and Loyola Marymount were named co-favorites to win the conference.

But like the baseball team, the Hornets will find NCAA Tournament qualifying much more difficult then when they were competing in the established Big West. Because the PCSC is just beginning to take its infant steps in Div. I softball, the conference champion will not earn an automatic NCAA Tournament berth until 2005.

“We think (the PCSC) is going to be a great fit for our program,” Strahan said. “We’re looking to go in and try to dominate.”

The Hornets revamped softball stadium will include 990 seats, chair-back seating in lower sections and paved walkways. The renovation will also include a new batting cage for Hornet players.

“This is going to be a huge shot in the arm for recruiting and credibility for Sac State,” Strahan said. “It is going to be one of the nicest facilities in the state.”

The Hornets welcome 14 new players to their squad, who will look to bring emerging energy and enthusiasm to the team.

“I feel like the (Sacramento) Kings with all this depth,” Strahan said. “I just hope we can enjoy all the success they’ve had with that depth.”

The promising group is composed of transfers and first-year players, all competing for starting jobs.

“This young talent is pushing returning players,” Strahan said.

Co-captains senior Jillian Bivert and junior Nicole Deatherage will bring much needed veteran leadership for the Hornets.

Bivert, the team’s starting first baseman, has led the team in offense since her freshman year. Along with leading the team in most offensive categories, Bivert also serves as the starting pitcher. “You can’t ask much more of anybody,” Strahan said.

Deatherage, the team’s ace, finished with a 10-9 record and the third-best ERA in the Big West (1.45) in 2002.

Strahan expects Deatherage’s record to improve this year with more offensive support.

“We expect her to come in and lead the way this year,” Strahan said.

The team will receive great contributions from San Jose State transfers Brianne Ferguson (sophmore pitcher) and Amy Walter (junior shortstop).

Ferguson, who beat defending national champions Cal-Berkeley in the fall, will bolster the Hornet pitching staff. “She’ll be a big anchor on the pitching staff,” Strahan said.

Amy Walter, who was an all-Western Athletic Conference selection as a sophomore at San Jose State, will bring added excitement to the Hornets’ infield.

Freshman outfielder Lindy Winkler will be hard to defend as she can drag bunt, slap and hit for power.

“We need to remain healthy,” Strahan said when asked about what it’s going to take to be successful in 2003. “We’ll see how quickly these young kids can adapt to West Coast Div. I softball.”