Glendale Community College Softball Preview: Loaded with newcomers, Vaqueros eye growth
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Glendale Community College softball coach Sal Pizzo has plenty to be excited about with his current team.
A group comprised of 80% new faces, the goal is simple after experiencing a rough patch the last few years: improvement.
Of the 15 players on Pizzo’s roster, 12 are freshmen and four are expected to help make up for what the Vaqueros lacked last year in pitching depth.
“We’ve had a couple of rough seasons in terms of our record and what has gone on,” Pizzo said. “But I know we’ve already improved based on our roster and our recruits and the results of our fall. I feel like we’ll continue to improve all season and I’m looking for a real positive season.”
Pizzo has a trio of returners in sophomore pitcher Reagan Atallah, sophomore outfielder Amber Hernandez and sophomore catcher Olivia Jukes, a Hoover High graduate.
Jukes, who the team’s lead-off hitter last season, will top the lineup once again. The sophomore led the team last season with a .395 batting average and 20 runs batted in.
“She can play a lot of positions and is very athletic, but out of necessity, she’s our best catcher, so she’ll be our starting catcher again this year,” Pizzo said.
Atallah, a Maranatha graduate, will return to the circle after serving as the team’s primary pitcher last season. The sophomore carried much of the pitching load last season, tossing 122 innings and 16 complete games in 28 appearances and 24 starts.
“Pitching is obviously one of, if not the most, important elements of softball,” Pizzo said. “We really improved our pitching. We have 15 players that made our roster, 12 of them are freshmen and four of those freshmen can pitch. For three of them, that’s their primary position. I’m pretty excited to have them.”
To help carry the weight are Las Vegas natives and left-hander Torii Forsberg and right-hander Triniti Akau. The duo will not only rotate in the circle, but will be a key part of the lineup, as well as playing first base.
“They are, at this point, besides being excellent pitchers, are strong hitters and can play first base,” Pizzo said. “They’re going to be our No. 1 and 2 pitchers and we’ll just rotate when one’s pitching, the other one’s playing first base.”
Another new pitching addition to the team is right-hander Samantha Sanchez of Granada Hills Kennedy. Sanchez can also play first base as well and could see time as the team’s designated player.
Freshman Zuhaley Villaverde of Van Nuys can also be a pitching option for Pizzo, but the coach expects her to be starting at shortstop.
In the outfield, Hawaii native Julianna Souza will occupy right field and freshman Tralyn Campbell of Bloomington Christian will patrol center. At third base will be Bella Gonzalez from Tri-City Christian in Vista.
Also added to the roster is a trio of freshmen in Cambria Rems, Emily Ruano and Arleth Lima.
“I think we’ll have a lot more speed,” Pizzo said. “With the influx of freshmen we’ve had come in, we have some speed, and that’s the kind of game I like to play anyway.
“Besides those physical elements, I feel like, in general, this group has come together quickly. The chemistry, the focus — everything is getting to the point that we really want them to get to.”
Perennial powers College of the Canyons and Antelope Valley are expected to continue to be tough opponents in the Western State Conference East Division.
The conference dropped Barstow and Victor Valley. Filling those the spots are Bakersfield and West L.A., which returns after not fielding a team last season.
“The theme of the year is just lots of improvement and we feel like we can be really competitive this year,” Pizzo said.