THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — After being just game shy of a Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) Tournament Championship appearance, the 2022 California Lutheran University softball team is ready to make more noise. 

The team has a quartet of seniors that will lead the way in Sammy Edmonds, Taryn Faull, Courtney Haapanen and Mia Onesto. The Regals are young, but also have experience with the seniors and five juniors. The younger classes include five sophomores and 11 freshmen. 

Roster | Schedule

Cal Lutheran gets its season underway at home with Vanguard on Feb. 8 for a doubleheader starting at 1 p.m. We talked with Head Coach Debby Day about the upcoming season.

Your team saw a smaller season last year, but what did that do for the coaching staff and team? 
Being out on the field, even in a more limited capacity, was really a great experience for our program.  With all the Covid chaos, we really felt lucky to be able to get back to the practice routine and to be able to be together each day.

What can you tell us about the returning class, which Regals should we be looking out for? 
All-SCIAC performers Mia Onesto (OF)  and Ariana Mendoza (DP) as well as Natalie Luna (2B) will again be leaders for our program, both on and off the field.  

Then you have the incoming class, what can you tell us about them? 
Freshmen pitchers Alex Nyberg and Mia Garcia should offer help in the bullpen. Transfers Makayla Lopez (1B) and Amanda Gull (UT) are expected to have an immediate impact on our lineup.

What are your thoughts on the schedule, which games should fans watch out for?  
SCIAC competition is tough across the board. We are really excited to have a full conference schedule this season. We are looking forward to traveling to Tucson to play six games and get a lot of experience before heading into the crunch time of SCIAC competition.

How much excitement does the team have for the 2022 season?  
Preseason is always exciting – if you're not excited now, probably shouldn't play! We know every team member is doing their part to come to campus ready for softball season!

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Release by Ryan Jorgenson, Sports Information Director