The Bakersfield College softball team got its third consecutive win on Thursday Feb. 17, beating Ventura College 4-3.
The Renegades now have a record of 4-1 overall and 2-0 in Western State Conference play.
As for the season, the team has a good group of overall players and coaching staff to keep the win column in abundance.
One of the ‘Gades top pitchers is sophomore Ashley Bailey. Pitching at speeds clocked in the 60s, she is an asset to the softball squad.
“Ashley is a top returner for us,” said softball coach Sandi Taylor. “She is an all-American, all-state. She’s done a lot for this team.”
Another returning key player to the softball team is second baseman Keeley Johnson. Johnson has hit two home runs, eight RBIs, two doubles and the teams only triple. She also boasts an impressive .421 batting average.
“Keeley is probably one of the few that has all her courses to transfer to the Division I level academically,” said Taylor, “Bailey has the most in the package athletically, and is getting some looks from Divison I schools also.”
Before the start of Saturday’s Bakersfield College Classic tournament, the’Gades still have an obstacle to face in conference opponent L.A. Pierce at home tomorrow night at 5 p.m. Their toughest opponent yet may come against powerhouse Mt. Sac who finished third in last years rankings.
“We play Mt. SAC on Saturday at 7 p.m., and that should be a good one,” said Taylor.
“There aren’t any favorites in these tournaments, it’s more of a way to get in more games for the teams, and it’s a game by game thing (the tournament),” said Taylor. “We just play hard.”
With their opening season victory, and overall record, the Gades should be a highly ranked team, but unfortunately that is not the case.
“We’re not in the top 15, but the seasons still early,” said Taylor.
“It’s more of a subjective thing based on who’s seen who, and what they did last year.”
High aspirations for the ‘Gades are a definite as Taylor has a 15-year head coaching resume. Under Taylor’s lead, the Renegades have gone to the playoffs 10 times in 14 seasons, and have two conference titles from 1997 and ’98.
With a team that has 12 doubles, one triple, two home runs, and 40 RBI’s, the Gades are on the right path to make it to the postseason for an 11th time.