CRC softball returns only three players from last years team: second baseman, Amy Pedretti, pitcher/outfielder, Jessica Venturelli and outfielder/ two sport athlete (volleyball) Laura Villano.  The freshmen will need to learn all that they can from the coaching staff as well as the three veterans.  However, this is one of the more athletic teams that CRC softball has had in the past.  Also this group of players has a lot more depth on the mound than last year's team, as well as a lot more speed on the base - paths.  With that being said, the athleticism advantage that CRC has could be a deciding factor between winning a game and losing a game. 

The Big 8 Conference will look to be tough once again with three of the teams being highly ranked in the state.  These teams include: Sierra College ranked 3rd in the state and 1st in Northern California, Sacramento City College ranked 6th in the state and 3rd in Northern California, and San Joaquin Delta College ranked 11th in the state and 6th in Northern California.  However, Coach Schroeder has confidence in her young team, saying, "I do know we have the tools to be competitive in every game we play." 

The young Hawks will look to come out this Saturday strong and ready to compete with every pitch.  This match up against the Lassen Cougars will be a good one because they to only have three returning players, with the rest being freshmen.  It will be a great way to introduce and teach the young Hawks team how the Collegiate Softball game speed and style is played.  With that being said, the Hawks will have a great preseason schedule, including the Sequoias tournament, to really get prepared for the Big 8 Conference.