Kicking off their 2015 season, the Cosumnes River College softball team took part in a conference in Monterey on Jan. 30.

Participating in four games during the weekend event, the team lost two games and won the other two.

“We won two, lost two, but they were close,” said Hanna Miller, sophomore third baseman.

The games Miller was referring to were their one point loss against the Cabrillo College Seahawks and two point loss against the San Bernardino Valley College Wolverines.

Beginning the season with a 2-2 record is not too shabby, and the women attribute their success to practice and their team bond.

“We had practice pretty much every day in the fall,”  said sophomore pitcher Amanda Horbasch. “We got to bond really close through that and we had practice everyday leading up to the season.”

Sophomore pitcher Nicole Madolora said that conditioning was also a big part of their practices.

The team’s head coach Kristy Schroeder said technical skill and experience will be important going forward in the season.

“We have some really good experienced players from last year that will really help our team to be able to know more of what to expect this season,” Schroeder said. “And I really like the freshman that have come in.”

Six of the sixteen players are returning sophomores from previous seasons.

Horbasch said she believes the team will do better than last season, and Madolora agreed.

“I think we’re stronger and have a more well rounded team,” Madolora said.

Schroeder echoed that sentiment.

“We have a lot more talent overall this season and so I think the combination of both sophomores and talented freshman together will hopefully allow us to have an excellent season,” Schroeder said.

While the women performed well last season with an overall 16 wins and 20 losses, they are taking a swing at going farther this year.

Miller said she expected to win often and make it to the playoffs.

Playing as a unit, like in all team sports, will be critical to their season success Madolora said.

“If you don’t work as a team, you won’t play as a team,” Madolora said.