EvCC Women’s Softball Preview
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Rylee Thomas (right) throws to the cut off during outfield practice while Abigail Bauthues looks on, on March 2, 2016 at Everett’s softball field.
The EvCC women’s softball team looks to make some noise in the NWAC playoffs this season after being kicked out in the first round last year. Last season they finished with an overall record of 18-20, and a positive record of 13-11 in league play. With freshman being recruited as far south as Lakewood, WA to as far north as Kitsilano, BC there looks to be a lot of new talent on the field.
Kiana Smith (left) talks to Head Coach Randy Smith (right) and Assistant Coach Alex Kubeska (middle) at practice on March 2, 2016 at Everett’s softball field.
The Trojans have three sophomores, two returning, and a whole lot of young athletes coming into the season. With so many new faces one can only expect that there will be a whole lot of learning to do from start to finish.
“Last year we had a sophomore dominated ball club, so we just had to reintroduce things. This year we are having to teach more to bring them up to the college level,” said Head Coach Randy Smith.
The two returning sophomores from last season, Kiana Smith and Taryn Salter are taking on a large portion of the leadership of this team. Both of them will lockdown the infield as they are looking to be very strong on the defensive side of play.
Kiana Smith throwing to first base as the team practices infield drills on March 2, 2016 at Everett’s softball field.
Kiana Smith is a speedy second baseman with great body control as she is excellent fielding the ball and creating plays. With her leadership role, she is looking to make sure that the team comes together early and chemistry is established for a successful season.
“It’s hard to get that chemistry, and to see where people’s strength and weaknesses are. But, that’s what practice is for,” said Smith.
Taryn Salter will play beside Smith at short-stop as they have created their own dynamic duo in the infield. Salter plays with efficiency and is an extremely strong at bat, for the Trojans heading into the season. A lot of the freshman are looking to her to help them get over the hump and start playing at a high level.
Taryn Salter (left) fields a grounder as Anya Predojevic (right) awaits her turn on March 2, 2016 at Everett’s softball field.
With eight freshman trying to catch up to the college speed of play, Salter said, “Every practice is 20 questions.”
One of the key freshman to join the team this year is Rylee Thomas out of Bethel High School. As described by Smith, “she’s a stud” and will act as number one pitcher as the season begins to get going. With high expectations she will be looking to show up in a big way throughout the course of a long season.
Coach Smith leads a team meeting to wrap up practice on March 2, 2016 at Everett’s softball field.
Catching for Thomas will be Anya Predojevic from Kitsilano High School located in British Columbia, Canada. She played for the Canadian Junior Women’s National Team as a catcher and will bring that experience to the Trojans infield. Coach Smith has high hopes for the young talent as he said, “she could be one of the best catchers in the league.”
As far as the coaching staff the Trojans have added on two assistants from last year’s team. Alex Kubeska and Lan Nguyen are great sources of information for the young squad as they are only one year removed from EvCC softball.
“They are doing a great job. They give a wonderful perspective of what you need to do and what you have to have to play at this level.” said Coach Smith.
If you want to catch league play, the women begin on April 2 at EvCC at 12:00 p.m.
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