January 19, 2024

Season Preview: WU Eager to Reach New Heights

By Francisco Claudio

Westcliff Athletics has experienced lots of success since it became a member of the NAIA and joined the California Pacific Conference.

Every program that has competed has seen an upward trend in performance and results and the Westcliff Softball team is no exception as they were able to reach the 2023 Championship game against the No.1 seed Embry-Riddle last season.

This team has improved every year from when they started in 2021-22 and went (22-31, Cal Pac 19-13). That season they finished third in the conference and were knocked out of the conference tournament quarterfinals by Simpson University.

Last season they also finished as the third seed with a record of (32-20, Cal Pac 19-9) and gave the Eagles a run for their money in the championship game.

In 2021-22, they scored 190 runs and had a .271 BA, .349 OBP, .354 SP, and six HRs.

Last year, they scored 260 runs and had a .311 BA, .374 OBP, .405 SP, and 10 HRs.

Fast forward to the present, this team has established a foundation that will allow them to compete and be in the running for conference titles for years to come.

Now as we turn the page to the 2024 season, they will have the luxury of being led by new head coach Brandon Wallace who is eager to put Warriors Softball on the map nationally.

Coach Wallace began his tenure with the Warriors towards the end of the year and has had time to be with the team and his coaching staff.

"I feel the team and coaching staff have adapted to my coaching style," Wallace said. "I am excited to see what this upcoming season holds.

"I want to instill championship people on and off the field. I want a blue-collar work ethic student-athlete in my program."

Coach Wallace exudes confidence which probably comes from his many years of being a part of the sport and the success he's accumulated. He sees a lot of potential in this team and has set his sights and goals high.

"To get 1% better every day, to be Nationally recognized, and to be seeded No. 1 in the conference," said Wallace of what he hopes to accomplish this season.

With the season just around the corner, there are a couple of opponents that Coach Wallace is eager to compete against. "I am looking forward to playing programs like Corban University, Embry Riddle, and Vanguard University. These programs will make us compete."

Returning this season are pitchers Emily Rosas, Etta Van Burgsteden, Alexyia Reyes, and Alex Corrales.

Those returning in the infield are Airilin Ramirez, Iyari Ramirez, Evette Mendoza, Olivia Pino, Siana San Vicente, Alyssa Vigil, and Kassandra Ramos.

In the outfield, there is Jessalyn Villicana, Lauren Coppla, Madison Berry, and Celeste Huffman.

With the experience from last year and the added new depth of first years at Westcliff, there is a lot to be excited about when this team gets out on the field to compete.

Don't miss any of the action and follow them on their Instagram page and for all updates on the Westcliff Athletics website.

The first game will be on Saturday, January 27th, at Hope International.

The first home game will take place on Thursday, February 1st, against Hawaii Pacific.

The Warriors will host their home games at the softball stadium located in the Orange County Great Park in Irvine.