RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - The Cordova Lady Lancers have had a rough beginning to their preseason slate this spring due to various factors out of their control. Injuries and bad weather have created a perfect storm that has put a damper on their preseason output thus far. With Metro League play starting this week however, the team is expecting to heat up - both by sunny conditions and players returning to the lineup.

The Lady Lancers (0-5 overall at press time) had yet to get into the win column entering this week, as their defense has been inconsistent early due to constant lineup changes and players being moved out of position. The group has surrendered at least 13 runs in three of their five losses, including a 14-4 loss at Rosemont on Thursday, March 12.

Senior Deena Venegas slides safely into 3rd base against Rosemont. Photo by Rick Sloan

Against the Lady Wolverines (3-2 overall), Cordova gave up a total of 11 hits, which included six runs in the first two innings. The Lady Lancers tried to make a run at it late as they notched four runs between the fourth and fifth innings, but Rosemont ultimately walked away with the win after five innings due to the 10-run CIF (California Interscholastic Federation) mercy rule. Senior shortstop Jalaya Cozart paced Rosemont with three hits and three RBI (runs batted in) in the win, with five others recording at least one hit. For Cordova, junior first baseman Deena Venegas led the way with two hits and scored one run. 

Cordova entered this week with two non-league preseason games remaining, with a home game against visiting Ponderosa on Monday, March 16, along with a road clash at West Campus on Wednesday, March 18. The biggest game of the week, however, took place on Thursday, March 19 at McClatchy in the Metro League opener for both teams, however final results were not available at press time. 

Freshman Erika Banks hits a double and drives in a run against Rosemont. Photo by Rick Sloan

According to Lady Lancers head coach Kim Bradley, the early season lineup shifts have played a key factor in the results they’ve seen on the field so far.

“I think we’re just finding our rhythm,” Bradley said. “We’re young still. We’ve had players out due to injury as well who should be coming back this week. So, we’ve been having to manipulate positions to fill the gaps until we can get everyone healthy.”

Bradley also mentioned that although the team is young (just two seniors), she believes the team will is strong and will ultimately come together as the season progresses. She added that she is looking forward to the clean slate that league play provides and is expecting to be very competitive. 

“The start isn't our true identity or what our team is capable of,” she said. “We haven’t had the same roster in any of the games that we’ve played between girls being out sick or injured. This week we should have our entire team ready to rock and roll.”

Cordova players have a meeting on the mound during the game against Rosemont. Photo by Rick Sloan