Pearson-Bloom has loaded her team up and has plenty of bodies to play every position. She is also pleased with her depth on offense as well as her pitching staff.

On the Mound
Nicole Hervey (Armijo HS) returns from last season as the only pitcher who throws a curveball. Pearson-Bloom expects Hervey’s pitching to reach a new level this season as she specializes in off-speed and rise ball pitches. When she’s not pitching, Hervey will be in the field on third base. The sophomore is also an outstanding hitter, who Pearson-Bloom expects to hit more than .300.

Rachel Baldwin (Bethel) sat out the 2004 season but returns to add depth on the staff and as a first baseman. As a pitcher, Baldwin specializes in throwing a drop ball and knuckle changeup. Pearson-Bloom likes her sophomore’s competitiveness and ability to perform in pressure situations.

Melissa Covell (Vacaville HS/Napa JC) joins the pitching staff with a year of community college softball under her belt. She will pitch a lot of innings as Pearson-Bloom expects Covell to be one of the top pitchers in the conference. Covell’s favorite pitches are a drop ball, changeup and rise ball. The sophomore will play third base when she is not pitching. Look for her to be solid offensively as well for the Falcons.

Karin Lindsay (Esparto) is a freshman with a great drop ball and changeup. She will force a lot of hitters to ground out. Lindsay will play left field when she is not pitching.

Pearson-Bloom says her pitching staff is one of the deepest since she’s been at Solano – with four ‘effective pitchers who would start for most teams in the Bay Valley Conference,’ she said. The fifth-year coach said she expects to utilize her bullpen a lot this season.

Behind the Plate
Freshman Christina Gaeden (Armijo) has the most experience behind the plate and Pearson-Bloom is most impressed with her knowledge of the game. Offensively, Gaeden is a gap-to-gap hitter while Moses is a slap hitter with power.

Sophomore Olivia Moses (Fairfield) will be in her first year catching and brings a strong arm and good instincts.

Around the Bases
Erika Martin (Vallejo) has home run power and brings toughness and athleticism to the squad. The freshman will see time at first base.

Sophomore Gabby Ramirez (Vallejo) is the starter at second. She has great range, is solid, poised and makes big plays. With her speed, she will hit second in the lineup.

At shortstop is freshman Sherry Clark, who Pearson-Bloom calls a ‘super athlete and great hitter.’ Clark will bat third in the lineup and Pearson-Bloom expects her to lead the team in RBIs.

In the Grass
Maquita Lewis (Armijo) will be the leadoff hitter for the Falcons this season. A freshman, Lewis is a slap hitter with power. Pearson-Bloom will look to send Lewis up the line as she hopes she will lead the team in stolen bases.

Lea Santos (Vallejo) is a returning sophomore and team captain. Santos is a quick player with the ability to get around the bases fast to score and steal bases. With her strong arm, she will see time at center field.

Samantha Preble (Hogan) will be a middle-lineup hitter. She’s the most solid at the plate and Pearson-Bloom expects her to lead the team in batting average. Pearson-Bloom adds that Preble is a tough out to get when the game is on the line.

Arielle Salvador (Salesian) brings quickness to the team. Look for the freshman to pinch run and steal bases. In the outfield, she covers a lot of ground.

The Opponents
Pearson-Bloom expects for the Falcons to contend for the Bay Valley Conference division title with Santa Rosa and Diablo Valley College but says the key to winning will be in the catchers stepping up their play and the newcomers playing solid defense.

Pearson-Bloom says her infield is one of the strongest she’s had at Solano and is excited about the season ahead.

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