HEAD COACH SHAWN STANCHFIELD'S SEASON OUTLOOK
YOUNG SQUAD LOOKS FOR BIG THINGS IN 2001

The 2001 Cabrillo Seahawks Women's Softball team goes into the season with big expectations. Although there are only three returning sophomores the recruiting season was good and we have a solid athlete in every position. In addition, this is a squad with 100% of the roster "team players". I couldn't ask for anything more than that. Each and every athlete on this team put in the work during the off season and comes into the season ready to compete. Expect the Hawks to have pitching, hitting and defense with a fast aggressive team on the base paths.

What make's this team even more special is the athletes successes academically. What many players forget about intercollegiate sports is the academic responsibilities of being a full time student. I went through about 15 individuals that had the talent to play on the field but could not maintain the academic and time commitments to play on the team. This team is not only maintaining those requirements but also far exceeding them. At this point two of our sophomores, Sarah Hewitt and Collette Seaton have already qualified for Scholar Athlete Awards in the state of California. In addition, the team is on pace for state and possibly national recognition for their scholastic efforts. I anticipate this being possibly the best softball team at Cabrillo College in 20 years or maybe the best ever.

In the Circle

Led by freshman Kristi Hansen and Sara Keck the Hawks pitching is solid. Kristi has clearly shown herself to be a leader both on and off the field. Every indication is that Kristi will be one of the best pitchers in the Coast Conference. Sara is a solid pitcher with good location that continues to impress. As long as she keeps her confidence high she'll throw well. We're really looking for her to step up this year. Rounding out the mound will be relief pitcher Pam Maestas. Should Hansen or Keck need help Maestas will, as always, be ready to fill in.

Around the Infield

Sophomore co-captain Sarah Hewitt will continue as the Hawks first baseman. She was far and away the best defensive first baseman in the Coast Conference last year. Expect much of the same this season. The Hawk's are looking for Hewitt to make an offensive impact as well, hoping her consistency at bat will play a significant role in the teams hitting strategy.

Freshman Pam Maestas will assume the starting job in the hot spot (unless we need her for relief pitching). Although normally a short stop, Maestas was forced into the role of 3B and has taken on the challenge. If the pitchers in the Coast Conference do not know Maestas now they will after they face her a few times in the batters box.

Freshman Lauren Tingco and Jessica Zumbahlen are both anticipating playing time at SS and 2B with Tingco also slotted playing time in the outfield. Both athletes will provide consistency in the infield. Tingco and Zumbahlen have shown they will make the grade at the plate.

Sophomore and Co-captain Collette Seaton provided consistency in every position she played last year. Seaton's Freshman year she was asked to play second base, shortstop, third base and the outfield. Even with the inability to focus on one position Seaton clearly provided defensive consistency through the entire season. Freshman Patricia Leslie is expected to be handling many roles with the Hawks this season. Effective at 2B and the outfield, Leslie should see many positions as the teams most effective utility player. Freshman Kristi Hansen will be behind the plate when not pitching. Solid defensively with a "gun" to second Hansen will provide consistency here. Expect a tremendous offensive performance from Hansen. Freshman Alicia Irving and/or Sophomore Krista Graham will be behind the plate when Hansen is pitching. Irving and Graham, both being the team players they are, volunteered to take on the duties behind the plate. Irving historically an outfielder should get plenty of playing time in both positions. Graham brings the intangibles to a young team that helps bring the athletes together as a unit. A tremendous competitor and motivator Graham is also expected to see playing time at 2B.

Around the Outfield

Look for Freshman Stephanie Tyson to become a leader in the outfield this year. Tyson will be heading up the defense in left field and center field (when Tingco is at shortstop). The Hawks are looking for a repeat performance from Tyson when she led Watsonville High School to the state championship game last season with both offensive and defensive superiority.

When she's not splitting time at shortstop, look for Freshman Lauren Tingco in centerfield. Possibly leading off for the Hawks to showcase her blinding speed. When Alicia Irving is not catching expect to see her in right field. Irving is another Hawk with good speed and an excellent bat.

Also in right field is two sport athlete Megan Elliott. Elliott joins the team after an award-winning season of soccer. The ultimate "gamer", Elliott will be tearing up the base paths, hitting to all fields and generally making the Hawks opponents miserable with her athletic talents.

Freshman Alma Salinas and Julie Miller will round out the outfield as utility players. Both Salinas and Miller have worked hard to earn their spots on a team that runs two-deep in quality at nearly every position. This proves to be one of the deepest team ever for the Hawks.

The Schedule

The non-conference schedule provides the opportunity to experiment with different lineup combinations. My non-conference and tournament philosophy is to use the opportunity to take a good look at our roster top through bottom, not necessarily to win. Although I do anticipate success during the non-conference schedule, mainly due to the sacrifice the team has made during the off season.

The Coast Conference schedule will be an indication of how good we are. A solid conference with tough scheduling that includes back to back games with perennial conference powerhouses San Jose City and West Valley. It's ok that our schedule is tough because the Hawks know strength of schedule is a key component to judging a teams true ability.