Coming off one of their best seasons in recent memory, the Cal State East Bay softball team is hopeful for more of that success during the 2013 campaign. East Bay will begin the 2013 campaign with a home and home doubleheader against Dominican University on February 9-10.

The 2012 Pioneers finished one of their best seasons in recent memory, tallying 31 wins to match their highest total in the last 12 years. East Bay doubled its team homerun record with 62 homers and saw several players set new records or move into the career top-10 in a number of categories. The Pioneers finished 17-19 in the CCAA.

East Bay returns seven players and a good core of newcomers for the 2013 season.

“We have a pretty balanced club,” Pioneer Head Coach Barbara Pierce said.  “I love the experience combined with the fresh look of the new kids. We'll be working hard to be in the postseason this year.”

On the mound, the Pioneers return four-year senior Lauren Zweigle and sophomore Andi Andersen. Zweigle completed the 2012 season with a 7-6 record and a 3.02 ERA. She had three complete games and was second on the staff with 64 strikeouts. Anderson appeared in nine games and pitched well against NCAA regional teams UC San Diego and Cal State Dominguez Hills.

“Lauren is our ace who brings a wealth of experience with three years of CCAA pitching to the mound,” Pierce said. “Andi had success on the mound against two regional teams last season. I'm looking for her to carry that success into this season.”

Nikki Fonteneaux, a transfer from Southwestern Community College, should see a lot of action in the circle during the 2013 season. The Pioneers also have a good freshman prospect in Kelsey Cairns, from North High School in Southern California.

Handling the catching duties for the Pioneers this season will be Sara Pacioni, a transfer from East Carolina University.

“Sara is an excellent receiver and a good hitter,” Pierce said. “She fits in nicely after losing Taylor Neumann.”

The Pioneers look solid in the infield for the upcoming 2013 campaign. NCAA II All-West Region performer Sara Holdridge will play third base. Holdridge hit .365 during the 2012 season with 13 home runs, 45 RBIS, and a team-best .723 slugging percentage. Shaunna Purkey, a JC transfer from Antelope Valley College, will handle the shortstop position.

At second base will be Taryn Thomas, a .339 hitter with 42 runs scored and 62 hits last season. Four-year player Emily Montanez will play first base. Montanez had a solid junior campaign with a .293 batting average and an excellent .989 fielding percentage from her firstbase position. 

“I feel good about the infield,” Pierce said. “They are fundamentally sound and can handle the load.”

Meli Sanchez, a transfer from East Los Angeles College, will play in centerfield.

“Meli has great range and a strong and accurate arm,” Pierce said.

Senior Nicole Adair and Vika Kafoa, from the College of San Mateo, will see playing time in the two other outfield positions. Red shirt Allison Noble along with newcomers Mandy Dale, Antelope Valley College and Lauren Vestal, Fall River Senior High School, will all battle for playing time in the outfield. 

The Pioneers and Penguins will meet in for a doubleheader at the College of Marin on Saturday at 1 p.m. The two teams then come across the bay to Hayward to play a pair on Sunday at 12 p.m. at Pioneer Softbal Field.