Season Outlook: Giants focused on improvement

Winning is not the only thing that matters for College of the Sequoias head softball coach Michelle Bolt.  

"This program is not about winning," Bolt said. "It's about winning in a whole other ballgame, which is life. The way we compete is what matters. We have players that care more about when their teammates do something off the walls. That means more to me than winning."

In her 20th season, Bolt is looking forward to seeing every one of her players improve this season, but especially her five sophomores.

She sees something different when looking at the second-year players.

"You see something different in their eyes," Bolt said. "They are a group that is better together, but they have to put in the work to be successful."

Ashley Guzman leads the group of two-year players, both with her arm and bat. She was named to the First-team All-NorCal last season, posting an ERA of 2.88 and a batting average of .418.

Infielder Adrienne Cachu's glove is second to none, as she was selected to Second-team All Conference. At the plate she batted .264 and only struck out nine times last season.

Both Josey Burke and Alondra Zavala received honorable mention by the Central Valley Conference. Burke's bat provided solid contact all season, while Zavala was captaining behind the plate.

Ashley Paradine leads the Giants with four wins this season. Despite the fast start this season, she did not receiving any honors in 2016.

Bolt, however, sees something different in Paradine. For coach, Paradine not receiving any accolades is something that will motivate the Sophomore from Dinuba.

"She has really committed herself to doing the work," Bolt said.

"I have a lot of confidence in AP, and I look forward to watching her throughout the season to see what she can do."

This season the Giants are off to a 7-2 start and have a four-game win streak. You can watch COS play at home this weekend when they host four games (weather permitting).

On Friday, Sequoias will play Gavilan at 10 a.m. Later in the day at 2 p.m., COS will host San Mateo.

On Saturday, the Giants open up at noon, against Ohlone, then play Gavilan at 2 p.m.