(Walnut, CA) The two-time defending California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) State Softball Champion Mt. SAC Mounties will aim for a three peat as they begin the 2020 season on Friday (Jan. 24), at Bakersfield, against Santiago Canyon.
The Mounties will be led by new head coach, Alex Mascarenas, who takes over after serving the previous five years under Ruby Rojas. After leading Mt. SAC to back-to-back CCCAA State Championships (2018, 2019), Rojas took the offer to become an assistant coach at Auburn University.
"2020 will be an exciting year with a new team," Mascarenas said. "There are many changes within the program, losing 12 sophomores from the 2019 team and this being my first year as interim head coach."
Mascarenas is looking for his remaining sophomores to lead the team this season. Alexia Silvas, who signed with Cal State Fullerton this past Fall, had a great freshman season going 14-3 in the circle with incredible stats that include a 0.85 ERA in 98.1 innings pitched and 97 strikeouts.
Returning at shortstop is 2019 State Championshp Defensive MVP, Quinn De Avila.
Charleen Macias and Ashley Rivera look to implement themselves in the lineup and help lead the team with their experience.
In addition to the returning sophomores, Mt. SAC adds depth and experience to their roster with three NCAA Division I transfers.
Centerfielder Nicole Siess, a redshirt transfer from the Purdue University, was voted a team leader and looks to make a huge impact for the Mounties.
Another transfer is catcher Alyssa Martinez, a transfer from Long Island University Brooklyn (Brooklyn, NY) who played 41 games, starting 33, for the Blackbirds.
The third NCAA Division-1 transfer is second baseman Alexis Lemus, a hard working transfer from UConn, who started in 42 games for Huskies.
"This year will be a great challenge to continue the success and keep the program at the top," Mascarenas added. "The girls have been working very hard all Fall and are ready to get out and defend their state championship."
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For additional information, please contact the Mt. SAC Sports Information Office at 909.274.4630.