Sonoma State softball is back in action this spring and the team has big expectations after last year’s stellar season. Sonoma finished 42-18 and 24-12 in conference play last year and made a statement by winning the CCAA championship while recording the most runs in the tournament’s history. Last year’s squad also made a strong run in the Division ll West Regional tournament and they look to keep the momentum rolling into this season. The team is ranked number third in the Preseason Coaches Poll but have their sights set on higher expectations. The Seawolves also have four players who are continuing their All-Conference performances from last year on the CCAA Preseason Watchlist. 

They are bringing back Santa Rosa native and senior slugger Anna Zoia-Buescher who boasted a .396 BA and senior catcher Jordyn Martinez who hit a team-high nine HRs and 51 RBIs in 2022. One of the key reasons last year’s team was able to make a deep run was the standout pitching from seniors Camille Rodriguez and Jesse DuPuis. Having lost both aces this year, there are big shoes to fill. Great pitching is a key aspect of making any kind of deep run into the playoffs and the Seawolves hope to get good production from senior Nichole Sarra and junior Bailee Reed as they look to step into the spotlight this season. 

With several returning players this year, the team’s chemistry is a big advantage over other teams. When talking to senior outfielder Reagan Hunt about the upcoming season, she told me, “We are taking what we accomplished last year and rolling with it, our team is looking great at practice and our heads are up high.” A sense of confidence is what this year’s team is all about.

Head coach Jennifer Bridges returns for her thirteenth season as the leader of the program. Sonoma is also welcoming to the program new assistant coach Bry Castro. Castro brings a multitude of high-level softball and coaching experience. In 2017, she played for Division 1 team Ole Miss, where they became the lowest seed ever to win the SEC tournament. After working for two seasons on the University of San Diego’s softball staff, she is bringing her expertise to Sonoma State. Castro knows what it takes to win at the highest level and is a great addition to the team this spring. With the season just getting started, everyone is focused on repeating last year’s success and taking it to the next level.

The Seawolves started off their 2023 campaign at the Seawolf Round Robin this past weekend. After moving their games to Santa Rosa JC, because of weather concerns, Sonoma State came out firing versus Saint Martin’s hitting four home runs on their way to a 9-6 victory. On Saturday, they kept things rolling with a 3-2 win thanks to Anna Zoia-Buescher’s bases-loaded walk-off single. Cassidy Romano and Giana Hays also came up big with spectacular plays on defense. Unfortunately due to rain, the remaining games on Saturday were postponed as Sonoma finished 2-1 on the weekend.

The next home game for the team is on Friday at noon as they take on Dominican University. For more information on the team head over to sonomaseawolves.com.