To say the Lower Columbia Softball team is excited to hit the field on April 7 in Centralia may be the understatement of the century.
 
With Covid-19 restrictions looming over them, Coach Traci Fuller (10^th season) and the Red Devils have been hard at work since September – at times never even sure there would even be a season. But the time has arrived and Coach Fuller and nine 2020 returning players will lead the Devils on to the field on Wednesday at 3:00 p.m. at Centralia's Fort Borst Park.
 
"I'm grateful to the LCC administration and our athletic department for taking on the challenges of letting us practice and play in a pandemic, while making sure we stayed safe and healthy. It's been no easy feat," Fuller said.
 
"And I admire this team for its perseverance on the field, in the weight room, off the field and in the classroom for the last seven months," Fuller said. "They have worked so hard, kept their heads up and now they will be rewarded with a season. I couldn't be happier and prouder of them."
 
The doubleheader vs. Centralia is the first of 12 dates for the Red Devils in a modified West Division in 2021. Besides three matchups with the Trailblazers, LCC will also play multiple doubleheaders with Grays Harbor, Highline and Pierce.
 
With the 2020 season canceled after just 10 games, the NWAC allowed last year's sophomores an extra year of eligibility in 2021. Saydie Harris (Centerfield – Kelso) and Kinzey Williams (Left Field – Kelso) are back for their super-sophomore season, along with transfer Brittnee Harvill (Catcher– R.A. Long/Longview). Harvill spent two seasons at Everett College, but also was granted an extra year of eligibility and joins her hometown Devils in 2021.
 
"Saydie, Kinz and Britt are such leaders for us – and really good softball players too," Fuller said. "We were short on catchers, so having Britt join us this winter was huge."
 
The Red Devils feature six second-year freshmen, including three who will move on to the next level in 2022 and three who will stick around for a super sophomore year at Lower Columbia in 2022.
 
Taylor Alto (Shortstop – Westview/Beaverton), Kaylee Barnum (1B-3B – Ocosta/Westport, WA) and Karsyn Zaragoza (Outfield – Boise) all have opportunities to move on to four-year schools next year. Zaragoza has signed at Eastern Oregon, Barnum at Linfield and Alto is still uncommitted.
 
"Taylor has moved from the outfield to shortstop this year and she has embraced the move. She's athletic with a strong arm and ready to go." Fuller said.
 
Zaragoza and Barnum also play volleyball at LCC and with the Covid-affected seasons, they are playing two sports at once. "Karsyn and Kaylee are such good athletes and they have been up to the rigors of multiple practices daily," Fuller said.
 
Taylor Avram (Catcher – Twin Falls, ID), Jade Behic (Pitcher – Kapolei/Ewa Beach, HI) and Ada Williams (Utility-Pitcher – Napavine) are the other second-year freshmen and all plan to return for a third year in 2022.
 
"It's exciting to think we will have that group for three years in the program when they return next fall," Fuller said. "No one outworks Jade and Ada and they have set the pace for our new pitchers. They also can both pound the softball.
 
"And Taylor Avram is such a positive influence on the field behind the plate. She has shouldered most the catching load since we started last fall."
 
Behic has emerged as the game one starter in the circle for the Red Devils, joined on the pitching staff by Ada Williams, freshman Tatum Guzman (Pitcher-OF – Kapolei/Ewa Beach, HI) and freshman Mallory Brown (Pitcher-1B – Gooding, ID).
 
"Mal is a power pitcher and power hitter. Tatum is a gap hitter and in the circle relies on a great changeup. It's a good mix." Fuller said.
 
Freshmen Kennedy Williams (Outfield – Kelso), Katelyn McGough (Outfield-1B – Willapa Valley/Raymond, WA) and Maddie Curaming (Outfield-2B – Westview/Hillsboro, OR) round out the Red Devils roster.
 
"Kennedy has improved more than anyone on the team since September. She is such a weapon from the left side of the plate with her speed," Fuller said.
 
"Katelyn is a five-tool player…power bat, great speed and a big arm. Maddie is an excellent hitter and a natural outfielder, with the athletic ability to catch and play infield for us, too."
 
Fuller is assisted by John Matagora (9^th season), Dave Andrew (7^th season) and pitching coach Kelli Arnold (3^rd season).
 
The Red Devils home opener vs. Grays Harbor is at Heerensperger Field at Tam O' Shanter Park in Kelso on April 17 at 4:00 p.m.