Hancock Softball Opens Season Friday, Eyes Conference Title and Return to Postseason
Speed, pitching depth, and team unity are three strengths Allan Hancock College softball eight-year head coach Scia Maumausolo sees in her squad just days before the Bulldogs open the 2017 season.
"Our team really came together during fall ball and it's carried over into the spring. We have the leadership and buy in from the entire team," said Maumausolo. "The ladies have similar unity and energy to the 2015 team."
The 2015 team went 35-4-1, won the program's second straight Western State Conference title and hosted the first rounds of the State Playoffs. Last year, Hancock went 18-20-1 overall and 9-9 in conference play.
"This team has more speed than any other team I've had. We can really wreak havoc on defenses this season," said Maumausolo. "We also have four talented pitchers that will allow us to give them more rest and be more strategic."
The four pitchers Maumausolo has high hopes for are sophomore Shannon Peterson, and freshmen Bailey Killough, Hannah Diaz, and Desiree Lopez. Peterson was an All-Conference Second Team selection as a freshman when she went 13-14 with 15 complete games and a 3.22 ERA. Killough, an Arroyo Grande High School graduate, was a four-time All-League player for the Eagles. Originally, she signed a scholarship out of high school to play at the University of Hawai'i at Hilo. Diaz hit .417 and went 3-5 in the circle her senior season at Pioneer Valley High School. Lopez was a four-year varsity softball player at Santa Maria High School.
"Our conference is one of the few in the state where teams play doubleheaders during the conference schedule. Having pitching depth will be an advantage for us," said Maumausolo. "Shannon will be able to stay strong throughout the year. Bailey joined us during semester break and fits well into the middle of the lineup and she can definitely help us as a pitcher."
The Bulldogs feature several key returners including two other All-Conference players in Emily Gantt and Maggie Dasis, as well as starting shortstop Larrissa Ostrander. Gantt, a St. Joseph High School graduate, clubbed a conference-leading eight home runs last year with 30 RBI and a .349 batting average. Dasis hit 243 with 18 RBI, 24 runs scored, and 18 stolen bases. Ostrander hit .373 with 31 runs, 25 RBI, and 27 stolen bases.
"Larrissa and Maggie provide speed at the top of the lineup, and excellent leadership," said Maumausolo. "Emily is going to be exciting to watch. She has Division I power and will be a scary hitter for anyone to face."
Outfielders Isabella Partida and Leticia Hoobery, as well as third baseman Nakalia Fuggs are among the new faces Maumausolo expects will make an immediate impact. All three were All-League players for area high schools: Partida for St. Joseph High School, Fuggs from Righetti, and Hoobery from Pioneer Valley.
"All three are ball players and great athletes. Izzy and Nakalia have tremendous speed and are natural leaders. Nakalia can place the ball well and will put pressure on defenses all season," said Maumausolo. "Leti swings the bat well and has surprising power. She played shortstop in high school, but will play left field for us."
Partida and sophomore Christabel Chavez are still battling it out for the starting spot in centerfield. Chavez, a Santa Maria High School graduate, hit .245 with 21 runs and 14 stolen bases as a freshman. Maumausolo said one will play centerfield, and the other will start in right field.
The Bulldogs will open with a three-game road trip that starts at 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27, at L.A. Valley. The Bulldogs will play a doubleheader Saturday at San Diego with games at noon and 2 p.m. Hancock will open the home portion of its schedule at 1:30 p.m. on February 4, against Riverside.