The SRJC Bear Cubs softball team ended the 2012 season with a disappointing 18-21.  The team relied on their bats, but pitching ultimately kept them from winning games.

This year the pitching staff is expected to perform at a high level. The team lost its top three hitters from the previous season, but head coach Philip Wright has a new roster to work with.

The roster has many new faces, as Cheyenne Bricker will be the only returning player. She ended the season last year with a 9-13 record and a 6.50 ERA. Wright believes she will be successful in the season ahead.

The team will also have a handful of players who redshirted last year, including Courtney Lucchesi looks to be one of the best pitchers on the team.

The team captains for the Bear Cubs are Christine Pierce and Taylor Morgan. Wright likes Pierce as a captain because of her leadership and tough mindedness. She makes sure her teammates are doing what they need to do in order for the team to be successful.

As for Taylor, he thinks very highly of her leadership and skills on the softball field.

“She has a chip on her shoulder,” said Wright of Pierce “Morgan Taylor leads by example, the kids listen to her and she will run through a wall to make a play.”

New player Megan Winters is expected to standout for the team this season. Wright expects Winters to solidify the team’s pitching rotation with her unique pitching style.

“Megan Winters was a top player in Sonoma County last year and she will be a star,” Wright said. “She is a drop ball pitcher and she has all of the tools to be great.”

The Bear Cubs open the season on Mar. 9 with a doubleheader at home against Sierra College. The first game starts at noon and the second game starts at 2 p.m.