With the girls’ basketball team winning CCS and playing in NorCals, the softball team’s season has gotten off to a slow start because eight varsity players have been fulfilling their commitment to the basketball team. Through the first week of March, all varsity games had been postponed because of this lack of players.

While the team waited for the return of these core upperclassmen, sophomore center field Chancee Gaskin has served as the team’s unofficial leader.

Gaskin, who started playing softball years ago for the San Jose Lady Sharks Club, helped the team earn a 14-13-1 record in the De Anza League last year. But, with the loss key alumni such as Analisa Ruff, Dani Bruno and Colleen Fleming, the team will need to re-establish its identity this season.

“I do believe my experience can help guide the team to succeed, but it is the team's skill and the team chemistry that forms our success,” Gaskin said.

Since sophomore Kate Bossi and senior Emily Ludwig have replaced some of the 2015 graduates, Gaskin said that the team will be fully stocked at each position.

On the other hand, the team will face new challenges such as a radically different home field. The newly constructed turf field in the softball stadium, along with new dugouts that are currently in construction, have been a controversial issue for players. Gaskin and her teammates would have preferred a dirt infield over a turfed one, fearing both an increased risk of injuries and a different style of play since the ball with travel faster on turf.

As the get used to  their new home field, Gaskin said that the Falcons have a bright season ahead of them.

“The team is going to be really good this year and I think, [and] with the extra work we are all putting in, we will make it to CCS,” Gaskin said.

Due to printing deadlines, the Falcon was not able to cover the games against Aragon on March 15 and Monta Vista on March 16.