West Valley ended the pre-conference schedule March 1 with a 20-0 record, the state's No. 1 ranking and NorCal's top RPI. The Vikings have excelled in all phases - hitting, baserunning, defense and pitching. And, the pitcher leading the charge is Ashlie Nakano. The sophomore righthander from Alameda is 7-0 with a 1.57 ERA, both team highs. She has an overall record of 19-6 in her two years in Saratoga.

Nakano has three games this year with a 0.00 ERA - Cosumnes River (2/18), Feather River (2/21) and Butte (3/1). In eight starts, Nakano has surrendered just 11 runs,struck out 27 batters, and notched six complete-game wins.

As the Coast Conference slate approaches, Nakano will be at the forefront in the circle, looking to help the Vikings to a conference crown and a berth in the 3C2A State Championship tournament, which will be at Viking Field in May.