3 minute read
Turning the corner
The Brahma softball team showing signs of life
Eduardo Razo/ Roundup
The Pierce College women’s softball 2011 season has begun, and the team is trying to turn the corner after last season’s 0-17-1 record in the Western State Conference (WSC) and 0-31-1 overall.
The Brahmas have started the season 4-8, already surpassing their win total from last season and a half. Up until their first victory over Santa Monica College, the club hadn’t won a game since April of 2009.
This season the Brahmas have 16 new players and four returning starters from last year’s squad.
“Messy,” is the word Heather Krahling used to describe last season’s team and play. “It started from the inside, we broke down, there was no chemistry, and bad leadership.”
New assistant coach Danny Moore is one of the reasons the team has turn the corner.
“We owe everything to him,” Krahling said.
Krahling is the team’s top pitcher with a pitching record of 4-2, and a 4.09 Earned Run Average.
The team’s top hitter is newcomer Andrea Sixtos, who is in the top five in batting in the WSC Gold with a .478 average to compliment the three homeruns and eight RBI’s.
Along with assistant coach Moore is Jeff Peterson, both joining head coach Pat Grennan this season.
“A lot more hitting and two new coaches,” said Grennan are the reasons the team has improved.
As of now the Lady Brahmas’ are atop the WSC Gold with a batting average of .335, tied for first in home runs with six, and second with in RBIs with 35.
“Sure we have won four games, but we want to get better every game,” said Grennan on the season so far. “Looking back, that we exceeded our win total and we turned into a solid ball club will be a successful season.”
His players seem to feel the same. The attitude amongst the team toward achieving a common goal feels contagious throughout the dugout bench and between the white lines.
“I’ve learned a lot. I came from playing high school softball and have gotten better with the coaches help,” said Jessica Mejia a newcomer and standout utility player. “We get along and work together, we are a small family of sisters.”
The Brahmas’ next game will be at home Saturday versus the College of the Desert, which will be a doubleheader starting at 12:00 p.m.
