DVC 2017 Softball Preview

The DVC softball team is strong on defense, has good hitting depth and a positive vibe under coaches Dennis Luquet and John Rebstock.
“This team, I feel like we have a great bond,” standout sophomore shortstop Natalie Larsen said. “I feel like it’s gonna be a lot more fun (this season).”
The Vikings relied last season on durable All-State sophomore pitcher Nicole Nordahl and some pop in the top half of the lineup en route to a berth in the CCCAA Northern Super Regional at Fresno City. They advanced out of the first round of the Northern Regional by taking two of three against Modesto in Pleasant Hill.
This season, freshman pitcher Oivia Soley delivered on offense and defense in a 5-1 win over Foothill on Feb. 3, allowing two hits over five innings. She also was 3 for 3 with a double, run scored and an RBI.
Soley and Sita Manoa will alternate at first base and pitcher. The left side of the infield is solid, with Larsen and freshman third baseman Elvia Alvarado, and the outfield has good speed and steady gloves.
Newcomer Marissa Maddox, a left fielder who played at UC Bakersfield, is an excellent addition.
“She’s a player. She’s gonna really help us,” Luquet said of Maddox.
Catcher Teri Taylor, a transfer from Chabot, is another strong newcomer.
Luquet says the Vikings probably have the best defense they’ve had in his three years at DVC.
“Hopefully we can play defense because we’re not gonna strikeout a lot of people,” Luquet said. “There’s gonna be a lot of balls hit. Offensively in the fall, we hit the ball really well for average. … They can swing the bat, probably one through eight. Last year we were probably good one through six.”
Larsen seems pleased with the team’s pitching so far.
“For the most part, it’s fine. They get us ground balls, that’s all we need,” she said.
With the wet weather causing havoc on scheduling, the Vikings (1-1) entered the week with only two games under their belts. They are scheduled to host San Jose on Tuesday at DVC’s impressive, upgraded softball stadium. Then the Vikings will open play in the tough Big 8 Conference with a home doubleheader against Santa Rosa on Feb. 25.