Coach Vicky Piatt will send out a young, athletic lineup Friday, Jan. 25 when her West Valley Vikings host Mendocino and Taft in the 2019 season opener in Saratoga. Only two Vikings on the twelve-player squad return from 2018's playoff team, but the ten newcomers boast speed and athleticism - based on fall-ball scrimmages. Sophomore Marissa Diaz will anchor the infield at first base, while returner Ava Gonzales will be a mainstay in the circle. First-year Vikings Emma Edmonson (C) and Carinne Peterson (3B/OF) showed pop at the plate in the fall, while Chancee Gaskin (2B/OF) and Sierra Hillman (UT) have the speed Piatt's offense relies upon. Alexis Palmon joins Gonzales in the pitching rotation. 2019 Coast Conference foes include the College of San Mateo Bulldogs, who've been to five consecutive state championship tourneys, perennial powers Foothill and Ohlone and a much-improved Cabrillo squad. Friday's home opener against Mendocino is slated to begin at 10am, while the Vikings and Taft tangle at 2pm. The Eagles and the Cougars square off at noon.