The 2010 Bakersfield College softball team is more than ready to start the new season, especially now that BC has a new field to call its own.
“We are very excited for the new field,” said coach Sandi Taylor. “We played off campus last year, and it was a nightmare so we are excited beyond belief. I’m also anxious to see how our players respond to the newness of the season because these players have never played at BC at our home field, under our lights, with our crowd, with the environment before and it’s a great collegiate environment.”?
Sophomore left fielder Jessica Newton-Smith said, “The best part about the new field is not having to take everything and set it up, so it’s a lot easier and I think it will help bring our team together and our attitudes will be better before and after games.”
When asked if the new field would help the team step up their game, Taylor said, “Yes, I think so because last year we played in a facility that was not adequate to a collegiate team, and just the whole demeanor we will have daily and the pride you feel in your home facility, and having your home field makes a huge difference in how you play.”
The new softball field, named Dean and Adah Gay Sports Complex, was made possible by a $250,000 donation from the Gay family. ?Dean and Adah Gay are related to BC through their granddaughter Trish Gay, who works at BC as a softball assistant coach. ?
“It’s a great opportunity to have a field like this,” Trish Gay said. “My grandparents were huge community people always giving back so hopefully they appreciate this. It’s just a fantastic opportunity to have.”
“It’s a special feeling for us and for her and her family to be involved,” said Taylor.
Mayor Harvey Hall will be at the opening game for the ribbon-cutting along with BC’s first-ever pitcher and catchers Mary Valenti and Michelle Saroiberry, who will throw out the first pitch in commemoration of the 30th anniversary of BC softball. The opponent for the night is Fresno City College. Fresno was in the playoffs last year and is extremely talented.
“We have our hands full with this opponent, but we are excited to get this season going and just be in our own environment and comfort zone,” said Taylor.
BC will also host the state tournament in the middle of May and will continue to be the home field for that event for the next five years.
This year, the softball team has 13 returning players. “The returning players will have to lead and show the way for the new players,” said Taylor.
Sophomore first baseman and pitcher Joni Lagerston said her expectations for this year are to do well. “I think everyone’s really excited, I feel we have a lot of fire behind us and everyone wants to do well this year, come out with a bang and we have our own field.”
The expectations for this year are, “really high and everyone wants to be in the state championship games, and it’s our goal. The bar is set higher on purpose,” said Taylor.
Newton-Smith also commented on her expectations for this upcoming season.
“I expect more wins than last year, just because we will have more of a home field advantage and especially with all the sophomores here, I think it will help bring us all together,” said Newton-Smith.
Taylor talked about her overall hopes for the team this year.
“I am hoping for the team to just settle in and get into our normal routine,” she said. “Last year we didn’t have a routine, and it affected us on the field so we are trying to establish a routine. I hope for a calming season, not a lot of ups and downs like last year.”
As for the team’s expectations for Thursday’s game against Fresno City College, Lagerston commented, “I don’t know. I think a lot of players will be nervous including the returning players, but I have to just see what happens. But I definitely want to say we will win.”