The California Lutheran University softball team is back with a 39 game schedule and ready to compete for the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) title in 2022. 

Last year the Regals saw a shortened season in which they only played 18 games. 

“Although last year’s season was short, we still felt really lucky to be able to be together and have the routine of going to practice and competing. Only half of our conference was able to do so. I think we are appreciating being on the field even more now, especially our new players, many of whom had high school seasons shortened/canceled,” Head Coach Debra Day said. 

However, this year the Regals are ready for a full season, led by their four seniors, outfielder Courtney Haapanen, pitcher Sammy Edmonds, 1B/OF Mia Onesto, and pitcher Taryn Faull. The Regals also have five juniors and five sophomores that are ready for their first full season of college softball, and they welcome nine first-years. 

Some returning Regals to look out for this year are junior C/IF Ariana Mendoza, senior 1B/OF Mia Onesto, and infielder Natalie Luna. 

“Our team is led by All-SCIAC returners Orry (Ariana) Mendoza and Mia Onesto, as well as standout leader and second baseman Natalie Luna,” Day said. 

In terms of newcomers that fans should look out for this season, Day said that junior transfer and first baseman Makayla Lopez along with first-year utility player Amanda Gull are two Regals that fans should keep their eyes on. 

Not only is this a big year for all of the returning Regals, but also for the nine first-year players that coach Day has brought on for the 2022 season. It will be these players’ first opportunity to make a mark on Cal Lutheran softball and make a name for themselves.

One first-year player that is ready to work hard and contribute is utility player Amanda Gull. 

“I go to practice everyday ready to work hard, I always put in the extra work, I rely on my teammates to kind of help me out and just really have that team environment. I think the biggest key for our team this year is just going to be to get better everyday, get 1% better each day, and I think as a team it’ll make us so much better and we’ll be able to get to the conference tournament at the end of the season,” Gull said. 

Not only are these first-years ready to outwork the competition, but they’re also obviously very excited for their first season of college softball. 

“I am very excited for my first college season. I’m willing to do whatever it takes for the team, even if that’s not playing my primary position. I know that what’s in the best interest of the team is what matters and so if that means playing out of position then that’s fine, I’ll work hard at whatever spot it is as long as I’m making an impact,” Gull said. 

However, the first-year players aren’t the only ones excited for this jam-packed 2022 season especially after coming off of the shortened season in 2021. 

“We are super excited. This is an extremely hard-working, dedicated and talented group who can also appreciate the fun of playing their sport. They are working hard to get to the postseason,” Day said.