Bulldogs return to campus with focus and determination

Photo by: Kiel Maddox

Bulldogs return to campus with focus and determination

1/12/2017 4:39:00 PM | Softball

The Fresno State softball team begins its season on Feb. 10 at the Arizona State Kajikawa Classic

By: Jason Kelm / Communications Assistant

FRESNO, Calif. – Despite the pouring rain this week, the Fresno State softball team reported to campus to begin its first practices of the new year. The student-athletes, visibly focused, share similar goals, beginning with a third-straight Mountain West championship.

Head coach Linda Garza holds firm to her belief that a blue-collar work ethic is essential to success, meaning that, rain or shine, two-a-days would begin.

"I want to push them in ways that are uncomfortable and challenging so they are prepared come game time," Garza said. "I want them to push now and realize that they will survive, that they can push through adversity during the season."

This is just part of the culture that Garza and her staff have instilled through their first semester at the helm of the Bulldog program. Expectations, Garza says, have been the most challenging part of the transition for the student-athletes.

"You have a change in expectations, anywhere from how a system is run to how each area is managed," Garza added. "Not only are they trying to get to know new coaches, they're also trying to get to know new teammates. But our commonalities remain the same: we all want to be Bulldogs and we all came here to win championships."

With the departure of eight seniors to graduation, including two-time MW Pitcher of the Year Jill Compton and two-time MW Defensive Player of the Year Paige Gumz, along with the addition of a new coaching staff and 10 newcomers, the task of a 2017 conference title definitely has its hurdles.

"The level of focus and intensity this week has been great," Garza said. "And the mindset, in terms of where we are and where we're going, has evolved over the last few months. We're now getting the intensity and the energy level that we need to get better consistently."

Throughout the fall, the Bulldogs were tasked with adapting to change, while holding onto the principles that have built a winning tradition.

On Thursday, the 'Dogs began their day with the pitchers and catchers outside in the bullpen and the infielders and outfielders working on fundamentals inside of Fresno State's North Gym. In the afternoon, it was time to tackle hitting.

"Maintaining a championship-level work ethic through repetition is key," Garza said. "The question is how quickly we can get there and how long it can be maintained."

The Bulldogs leave for their season-opening tournament in four weeks and the lineup card is beginning to be penciled in, but is far from being set.

Taking over Compton's innings will be sophomore Kamalani Dung, who pitched in 18 games last year, recording an 8-1 record with 59 strikeouts in 79.1 innings pitched, and junior transfer Savannah McHellon. Fighting for the third spot are sophomore Kira McKechnie and freshman Samantha Mejia.

"I'm not sure we're at the place right now that somebody is going a full seven innings," Garza said. "They need to get some more game experience and we'll see how they perform. I'm hoping that somebody rises to the occasion."

Behind the plate, freshman Maddi Hackbarth is projected to take over the reins, following the departure of four-year starter Paige Gumz.

"I definitely think that Maddi has done some really good things through the fall," Garza added. "She has all the things that you look for in a catcher."

The Red Wave can also expect to see new faces regularly joining seniors Lindsey Willmon and Malia Rivers, along with junior Katie Castellon, inside the diamond, including freshmen Schuylar Broussard and Miranda Rohleder.

"Lindsey's experience is big," Garza said. "She has such a presence and we are looking for her to continue her offensive damage that she's done in the past. Malia has done an amazing job working on her defense, and we have so much flexibility in the middle with Katie and Miranda. All three make us strong. While Schuylar did a great job over the fall at third base."

Joining 2016 MW Player of the Year Kierra Willis in the outfield for the majority of the season will be sophomores Vanessa Hernandez and Morgan Howe, but Garza envisions freshman Kindra Hackbarth sneaking her way into the lineup as well.

Sophomore Dominique Jackson also brings offensive power to the designated player spot after 11 home runs and a .568 slugging percentage in 2016, a place where McHellon is also expected to be utilized.

As the lineup remains fluid, it's something that the players have become used to throughout practices and, as the preseason begins, will be business as usual for them.

"It's been an eye-opening experience with just how competitive it can be and how every offensive rep becomes important," Garza said. "We're going to have to sit down and look at our opponent before we fill out the lineup and, at times, play this strategically."

Garza believes this is the best way to get the Bulldogs where they want to go.

"Our goal is to get better every single day. We have a mission – to win another championship and advance in the NCAA Tournament."

"Just the Ticket to Build Our Community" – The Bulldog Scholarship Fund gives Bulldog alumni, fans and friends the opportunity to support Fresno State Athletics and the student-athletes who inspire them. For information about how you can support the Bulldog Scholarship Fund, please visit www.bulldogscholarshipfund.com or call 559-278-7160.