Welcome to SBCC Softball
Home of the Vaqueros!
2013 Season Outlook
Vaqueros have good mix of veterans & newcomers
Cabada, Briner, Orosco, Onstott top list of returners
The 2013 Santa Barbara City College softball squad will begin its 15th season under
the direction of Head Coach Dr. Paula Congleton and assistant coaches, Bill Hilliard
and Ashley Alderton.
The team is a mix of some very talented and seasoned veterans and some talented and
eager freshmen looking to continue the success of last year’s 2012 team, which went
24-17, finished 2nd in the WSC Gold Division and fell to top-seeded Canyons in a first-round
playoff series. Coach Congleton is looking forward to coaching a full squad of outstanding
players from Canada, Nevada and Northern and Southern California.
Returning players include: First Team All-Conference outfielder Sammy Cabada, from
Patterson Calif. Sammy will find her home in center field this season along with guiding
this year's team as a leader. Kiersty Briner will find herself in a new position this
year, helping out at first base. A local from Dos Pueblos HS, Kiersty, aka “KB” will
also see action at her main position at second base. Another sophomore returning after
a great first season at first base is Natalie Orosco, who received WSC All-Conference
honors. Kylie Onstott will cover right field. The coaching staff is looking forward
to taking advantage of Kylie’s speed on the base path.
This year’s rookies include Sierra Lujano, a graduate from Lompoc High. Sierra received
many awards in high school as a First-Team All-League catcher. With power at the plate
and good pop, we are looking for Sierra to help the young pitching staff succeed.
Kristy Hargrave from West Torrance will also see action behind the plate. Both Kristy
and Sierra are expected to carry the load behind the plate as well as elsewhere on
the diamond. Victoria Lucido comes to us from Pacific Grove High. Victoria, a left-handed
pitcher, will gain most of her experience on the mound.
Also excited to take on pitching duties for the Vaqueros is Alexandra Abbott. Alex played soccer for the Vaqueros in the fall and is looking forward to showing her talents on the softball field. Newcomer Alice Cen from Washington HS in San Francisco, has shown enthusiasm and quickness and will be a great asset at shortstop. Alice is fast and smart and possesses solid defensive skills and a good bat. A decorated player out of Gardnerville, Nevada is Amanda Caras. Amanda has proven that she is ready for her college debut at second base with consistency at the plate and solid defense. At the hot corner, Tianna Velasquez and Karen Ochoa both show great promise. Tianna from Orange and Karen from Los Angeles are expected to anchor the infield at third while providing power in the middle of the lineup. Another local talent is Dakotah Wilcox from Carpinteria HS. Dakotah has the ability to play multiple positions which will be a great asset to the team. Dakotah can play shortstop, catcher and has been working hard during the fall at first base.
Plenty of options abound the Vaqueros in the outfield as Danielle deCastro, a graduate of Torrance High, has proven she is ready for action in left field. Not only does she have great reactions in the outfield, she proved to be one of the top hitters in the fall. Another duo that will be a force to contend with will be freshmen Shannon Kelly and Nicole Bennett. Shannon hails from Las Vegas, Nevada and has made a nice transition to college softball. She has been very impressive during spring training and is expected to provide support in the battle in right field. A native of Calgary, Canada, Nicole will make her home in the outfield and has the potential to contribute to our offense as the designated hitter.
Always believing in a challenge, Coach Congleton scheduled Santa Ana as the home opener
on Saturday, February 2 at 11 a.m. On Tuesday, Feb. 5, the Vaqueros host Bakersfield College for a single game at 2:30 p.m. Then into the weekend with
a home doubleheader on Feb. 9 against Canyons and three-time defending state champion
Cypress at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
SBCC Softball
Where the Surf Meets the Turf !
