PC softball set for new season

It’s the nature of the beast when it comes to small junior college women’s athletics. During the fall, the Porterville College softball team was optimistic about the upcoming season with what looked to be a talented group of players.

But there’s already been plenty of turnover between the fall and now, so PC has been scrambling as the season approaches, which begins on Friday with a doubleheader at West Valley. But no matter, PC coach Vickie Dugan likes this group of 15 players and expects to be as competitive as ever.

Porterville more than held its own again in the tough Central Valley Conference, finishing at 10-8 in the CVC last year. “It’s hard to say what’s going to happen with this team,” Dugan said. “I can tell you this, it’s a great group of girls. We’re competitive. We’ve always been competitive.”

And while PC has never been able to crack the CVC’s top two to earn a state playoff berth, Dugan said the time’s coming. “One of these years we’re going to get over the hump,” she said.

And with the uncertainty of this year’s team, at pitcher, PC is as certain as can be with its two top pitchers returning from last year in Sam Nalley and Rebecca Hurtado. Nalley has been recruited by several NAIA and Division II schools and has narrowed her choice down to two NAIA schools, Dugan said, North Dakota’s Valley City College and Southern Arizona. Dugan said Nalley should sign soon with either school.

“I’m expecting good things from her this year,” Dugan said. “I’m expecting her to do just as well or better this year.”

Freshman Marissa Torres will add depth on the mound and could also be a leadoff-type hitter. As a left-handed off speed pitcher, Dugan said Torres will compliment Nalley and Hurtado. Dugan also said about Torres,” she’s one of our slappers” as far as what kind of hitter she is.

Hurtado will play first base for now when she’s not pitching. “She’s one of our strongest hitters,” Dugan said.

But Dugan said Hurtado along with virtually all of the players could be playing different positions. “People could be moving all over,” Dugan said.

Ginessa Delange, who had knee surgery and missed most of the fall, will play second base and shortstop. She will be joined in the middle infield by Isabel Cardenas, a Monache graduate, who has come out for softball after spending three years in the Navy.

Ashley Keener should be one of the team leaders at third base. “She’s one of our strongest players and hitters,” Dugan said. “She really anchors third nicely.”

Strathmore’s Hannah Gonzalez, who was a top hitter for the Spartans, played third at SHS and can play third at PC as well. Gonzalez could eventually develop into one of PC’s top hitters. “She’s got a strong bat,” Dugan said.

In the outfield will be Taylor Ball from Pahrump, Nev., who just joined the team for spring practice. Porterville High graduate Desiree Contreras will add depth as a utility player. Another PHS graduate, sophomore Jessica Gonzalez, who returns from last year, will join Ball in the outfield. Sophomore Morgan Forester, who was hurt last year and is battling arm problems, is another outfielder. Also in the outfield will be Kimber Fielding, who has a strong arm, but has been battling arm problems as well, and Carmen Millan, who will join the team after finishing the basketball season.

Felicia Flavel, who redshirted due to an injury after seeing limited time at the beginning of last season, will move to catcher and should be one of the team’s power hitters. “She’s one of our long ball hitters,” Dugan said.

Samantha Saldana, another player who just joined the team for spring practice, is another catcher. Cheyenne Ramone, who played last year, is redshirting this season.

It’s the nature of the beast when it comes to small junior college women’s athletics. During the fall, the Porterville College softball team was optimistic about the upcoming season with what looked to be a talented group of players.

But there’s already been plenty of turnover between the fall and now, so PC has been scrambling as the season approaches, which begins on Friday with a doubleheader at West Valley. But no matter, PC coach Vickie Dugan likes this group of 15 players and expects to be as competitive as ever.

Porterville more than held its own again in the tough Central Valley Conference, finishing at 10-8 in the CVC last year. “It’s hard to say what’s going to happen with this team,” Dugan said. “I can tell you this, it’s a great group of girls. We’re competitive. We’ve always been competitive.”

And while PC has never been able to crack the CVC’s top two to earn a state playoff berth, Dugan said the time’s coming. “One of these years we’re going to get over the hump,” she said.

And with the uncertainty of this year’s team, at pitcher, PC is as certain as can be with its two top pitchers returning from last year in Sam Nalley and Rebecca Hurtado. Nalley has been recruited by several NAIA and Division II schools and has narrowed her choice down to two NAIA schools, Dugan said, North Dakota’s Valley City College and Southern Arizona. Dugan said Nalley should sign soon with either school.

“I’m expecting good things from her this year,” Dugan said. “I’m expecting her to do just as well or better this year.”

Freshman Marissa Torres will add depth on the mound and could also be a leadoff-type hitter. As a left-handed off speed pitcher, Dugan said Torres will compliment Nalley and Hurtado. Dugan also said about Torres,” she’s one of our slappers” as far as what kind of hitter she is.

Hurtado will play first base for now when she’s not pitching. “She’s one of our strongest hitters,” Dugan said.

But Dugan said Hurtado along with virtually all of the players could be playing different positions. “People could be moving all over,” Dugan said.

Ginessa Delange, who had knee surgery and missed most of the fall, will play second base and shortstop. She will be joined in the middle infield by Isabel Cardenas, a Monache graduate, who has come out for softball after spending three years in the Navy.

Ashley Keener should be one of the team leaders at third base. “She’s one of our strongest players and hitters,” Dugan said. “She really anchors third nicely.”

Strathmore’s Hannah Gonzalez, who was a top hitter for the Spartans, played third at SHS and can play third at PC as well. Gonzalez could eventually develop into one of PC’s top hitters. “She’s got a strong bat,” Dugan said.

In the outfield will be Taylor Ball from Pahrump, Nev., who just joined the team for spring practice. Porterville High graduate Desiree Contreras will add depth as a utility player. Another PHS graduate, sophomore Jessica Gonzalez, who returns from last year, will join Ball in the outfield. Sophomore Morgan Forester, who was hurt last year and is battling arm problems, is another outfielder. Also in the outfield will be Kimber Fielding, who has a strong arm, but has been battling arm problems as well, and Carmen Millan, who will join the team after finishing the basketball season.

Felicia Flavel, who redshirted due to an injury after seeing limited time at the beginning of last season, will move to catcher and should be one of the team’s power hitters. “She’s one of our long ball hitters,” Dugan said.

Samantha Saldana, another player who just joined the team for spring practice, is another catcher. Cheyenne Ramone, who played last year, is redshirting this season.