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SOFTBALL: Hitting their way to the moon How do you attempt to one-up a Cin­ derella 1991 season after losing every­ thing but the kitchen sink from last year's third place national finish? Cone were starters Sheri Saarela, Michelle Hughes, Cynthia Macom, Kristin Jacobs and Christi Merrill. But the team retained two key ele­ ments, head coach Teri Mariani and re­ turning stars Karin Jacobs, Raquel Se­ ward, Cathy Eason and Susan How to give the Viking faithful one more grab at the brass ring. And ooh baby what a ride it was. The team started the season out on a high by winning the prestigious Cal State-Bakersfield tournament and never looked back. Their record at the the end of March was a truly remarkable 36-10. The Vikings remained hot through the month of April ending the season at 40- 14 and earning their second straight trip to the Division II Western Region soft- ball playoffs. Unfortunately, inexperience finally caught up with the young Viks and the team was ousted after losing two close games by a 3-2 margin to Cal Poly-SLO and Cal State-Bakersfield. Next year looks particularly bright for the Vikings. Senior left- fielder Eason will return after being named to the second All- American team last season. Eason lead the team in seven offen­ sive categories and was named to the GTE academic All-Ameri­ can team as well. Senior four year veteran Seward will be back to shore up second base. Pitchers Janelle Finley and Carrie An­ drews will return as well. Nothing beats experienced pitching at the Division II level. One thing is for certain. A team coached by the second year in a row named West Region's coach of the year Teri Mariani can never be counted out. Take that bet all the way to Midland, Michigan for the 1993 World Series. —Scott Welch Shane Young Susan How, shortstop, prepares to catch a hit. 151