Merced College softball looking to rebound

It's not that Suzanne McGhee hasn't recruited talent.

Instead, the Merced College softball head coach has had to make do while a good portion of that talent has been sidelined in one way or another.

The She-Devils had a solid 26-19 record in McGhee's inaugural season and made the playoffs.

The two years since have been tough to stomach.

Eligibility issues, injuries and sophomore retention have consistently decimated McGhee's rosters and the result has been an 8-55 record the last two seasons.

For a coach that enjoyed nothing but success as a player at MC and then Cal State Stanislaus, McGhee's patience has been tested. But 2012's freshman class has given her hope for a turnaround.

"We've got a group of girls that get after it in practice every day," McGhee said. "We have 13 players on the roster, which is better depth than we've had. And most of these girls can play multiple positions, so we have options.

"Six of the eight starting field players will probably be freshmen, so these girls are coming in ready to play."

The incoming class is highlighted by pitcher Alicia Paine (Hilmar), catcher Dominique Godoy (Livingston), first baseman Jae Bondi (Los Banos) and infielder Jennifer Perry (Sonora).

"I know we have a lot of freshmen, but I think we're all good," Paine said. "We went 8-2 in the fall against some really good schools, so we know we can compete right away.

"I think the biggest thing is we all get along really well. We're a group where the pieces just all seem to fit together, and you can see we like playing with each other."

Left fielder Katherine Flores is the only returner from last year's squad. She was second on the team with a .345 average and 29 hits.

She won't be the only one relied upon to provide experience, however, with redshirt sophomores Ali Hague, Danielle Almeida and Demaris Zuniga all returning after sitting out last season.

"They all seem hungry after missing last year, so hopefully they can provide some leadership," McGhee said. "Hague is a great athlete and Danielle gives us four solid pitchers."

The She-Devils will open the season with four games this weekend, beginning with a doubleheader at home against Butte.

The first pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m. at She-Devil Diamond.

MC will then head to Sacramento City for games with it and Gavilan on Sunday.

"We've been wanting to show what we can do since the end of the fall season," Godoy said. "I think a lot of people are going to underestimate us because of the last two years, but we think we can win the conference and make the playoffs."