Team returns 10 veterans, assumes role as title contender
The smell of freshly cut grass and the sound of bat meeting ball are in the air this month, as the Lady Jaguars prepare to embark on what should be an exciting spring campaign.
Windsor is coming off a resurgent 2017 softball season that saw the team finish in second place with a league record of 11-3, landing a spot in both the NBL and NCS playoffs before ending the year with an outstanding overall mark of 17-8-1.
The sky may be the limit this season under returning head coach Morgan Rasmason, fielding a team of veterans that are long on both talent and experience.
“I’m very excited about this season,” Rasmason reported. “I expect us to be in the top of the North Bay League and have high expectations for the team. Our goal is to win league, plain and simple.”
The Jaguars graduated just two seniors last season, returning 10 players to the varsity roster, including a few of the best in the Redwood Empire.
Windsor will be led by senior veterans; third baseman Camille Kahnberg, outfielder Alyssa De Casas and versatile utility player Natalia Baca. Junior veterans are first baseman/pitcher Kayla Scott, infielder Anis Acevedo, second-baseman Caitlyn Murphy and pitcher/first baseman Sydney Hage.
“I’m looking forward to having Sydney able to pitch the whole season (she couldn’t start until April last year because of her transfer),” Rasmason noted. “That will give us more depth and ability to move people around the infield.”
The Jags boast many of the top underclassmen in the NBL, including returning sophomores; catcher Kasandra Jaramillo, shortstop Gracie Hernandez and outfielder Averie Gehrett.
Varsity newcomers are juniors Moana Bullock, Mele Pearl and Fatima Vigil-Figueroa and speedy freshman utility player Nataleigh Johnson.
“Nataleigh creates a lot of competition and I would be confident putting her almost anywhere, but she will most likely find a spot in the outfield due to her speed,” Rasmason said. “Overall, we have a strong offense returning so I expect us to score a lot of runs this season.”
Assisting Rasmason is Tony Zunino and former junior varsity coach Manny De Casas, while Corie Wachter takes over the JV program.
The Lady Jaguars will open the spring schedule in the friendly confines on Wednesday, Feb. 28 against visiting San Rafael (4 p.m.) and host Terra Linda on March 2 (4 p.m.).
Windsor figures to challenge defending league champion Rancho Cotate for the top spot, with Montgomery and Ukiah also expected to field strong teams. The Jags will kick off the NBL season on Mar. 20 against the visiting Cougars.
