The keyword as the 2020 season approaches for the Cosumnes River College (CRC) Hawks softball program is "optimism." A tough schedule faces the Hawks, but head coach Kristy Schroeder believes they may have the talent to contend for a Big 8 Conference title and qualify for an eighth straight California Community College Athletics Association (CCCAA) playoff berth.
"I am excited to start the season with the team. We have a have good practices to start the hear and we are looking forward to seeing how our players come together against a tough schedule," said Schroeder.
The schedule for the Hawks this year is not an easy one, but they are ready for the challenges. A tough pre-conference schedule is slated for the Hawks with opponents like Monterey Community College, College of San Mateo, San Jose City College, Solano College, and Fresno City College. All of those teams have one thing in common, each qualified for the playoffs last season. These teams will provide good challenges for the Hawks to get ready for difficult conference play. As usual, the Hawks will compete in the Big 8 conference, one of the toughest in the CCCAA. The Big 8 sent four teams, San Joaquin Delta, Sacramento City, Sierra, and CRC the CCCAA playoffs last year. Big 8 Champion San Joaquin Delta finished in the final four of the CCCAA State Championship and figures to be a top challenger again this season.
The Hawks have added some freshman talent and bring back seven key returners to the program. One of the biggest improvements the Hawks are looking forward to is depth of pitching. Last year they ended the season with only two pitchers, Becky Pederson and Courtney Lozano. This year, the Hawks will add multiple weapons that will hit opponents with a variety of styles. Hard throwing righty Danielle Pfennig, and crafty lefty, Audrey Brookins, will join Pederson to keep hitters off balance. In the field, Coach Schroeder lost Hannah Steege, an all-American shortstop, but she feels the young talent she brought in will fill into the positions nicely. Alexxis Thompson, Leandra Coronado, and Daisy Angeles will combine with returners Sydney Giovannoni, and Aliah Cisneros to cover the infield. Sophomore Kayley Rocha returns to lead an outfield that features several newcomers. Two notable additions to the Hawks are Alyssa Pinto and Alexandria Hale. Both transferred to CRC from NCAA Division I programs and will provide high-level experience to the program.
"We have a good mix of talent and good depth which we will need to compete in the Big 8 conference," added Schroeder.