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Cathie Lawrence

Freshman outfielder Ryann Yelder sends the ball hurling to the outfield during softball practice.

Los Medanos softball is back as the Mustangs gear up to take on Diablo Valley College at home Feb. 6. LMC will be looking to improve upon their 16-19 record from last season.

Improvement is the name of the game and, according to head coach Tim Rognlien, does not just apply to overall records. “Our program strives to develop all of our players to become better students and better softball players,” said Rognlien.

The mustangs will be fielding several key returning players this season.

“Maria Reyes, Marie Rios, and Renee Smith all contributed to our success in 2015,” said Rognlien. The list of returning players is headlined by 2015 second Team All BVC catcher Jasmina Cross, who isn’t letting her second team title effect her focus.

“Coming off from last season with a second team title hasn’t really effected me much at all, I’m not one who focuses on titles really,” said Cross. “But I would like to do better.”

To get better Cross said, “I’ll work my hardest this season, and if I end up by making first team instead, I would be appreciative of that, but if not, I’ll just know to keep working harder.”

To go along with a talented returning cast, Rognlien also has the luxury of having a group of “strong incoming freshmen,” which includes pitcher Abbee Lawrence.

Coming from high school, Lawrence said that college softball is “different.” High school ball didn’t feel as fast paced as college ball does.”

This year’s talented group of players will be in a good position to take big strides in the standings thanks to their coaching staff.

“Team building is a main component of our program.  We have a great relationship between players and coaches that we constantly try to improve,” said Rognlien.

Lawrence echoed her head coach’s claim of great player coach relationships.

“I love the coaching staff. All of them are really outgoing and know what they’re talking about. They push us to strive for our goals and want nothing but the best for us and the team,” said Lawrence.

Great players, great coaches and great relationships will fuel LMC’s softball team on their quest for success.

“We made a significant improvement in the BVC last year with our third place finish.  We will always shoot for number one,” said Rognlien.

LMC’s first game will be against Diablo Valley at LMC on February 6. For more information, visit www.losmedanos.edu/softball