Nine sophomores are set to lead the West Valley softball team into a 2018 season that begins against 2017 CCCAA Final Four contestant San Joaquin Delta on Feb. 1 and includes games against NorCal powers College of San Mateo, Foothill, Fresno City and Sierra. Second-year players Courtney Coombs, Samantha Fletes, Ava Gonzales, Sammi Hodges, Maddy Lucey, Reina Maldonado, Janelle McAfee, Malia Pula, Siobhan Taylor and Haley Walker give the Vikings experience at every position. Newcomers Marissa Diaz, Malia King-Jones, Jessell Lewis, Monica McCarthy and Alexandra Pussich add the depth that is so important in the rugged Coast Conference. Vinchenza DiBenedetto takes over for Head Coach Vicky Piatt, who is out for the spring on maternity leave.