A Fresh Start: 2022 T-Bird Softball Preview

Mesa, AZ - The 2022 campaign marks a new beginning for Mesa Community College, led by sixth-year head coach Grady Moorehead. The T-Birds sat out the 2021 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Mesa finished the 2020 season with an overall record of 18-10 and finished 12-10 in ACCAC play. 

"It's a totally fresh start and fresh look for our program," said Moorehead. "We basically have all new faces at every spot. I am excited to see new players develop and step into the college arena."

The roster features just one sophomore; Racheal Jesionowski.

"I am not sure what to expect from this team or group, yet," said Moorhead. "It will be interesting to see this team find their identity. We will all need some new faces to step up and lead us, for sure. We are going to fight for all 21 outs each game. This should be a lot of fun."

Players to keep an eye on this season include the likes of team captain/starting catcher Absidee Sanchez. Sanchez is the lone returner from the 2020 roster. Young freshmen who have caught the coaching staff's eyes early on are infielder Justine Encinas, utility player Kaleiah Tatlonghari, infielder Odessa Trease, and pitcher/utility players Alanie Ornelas & Hannah Matson.

When asked about the roster for this season, Coach Moorehead said, "I have one player from our 2020 team. We held on to four incomers from last year, who never had the chance to play. So we have 16 freshmen. Just crazy!"

This season, Mesa's schedule will look a little different from the year's past; with new non-conference opponents. The T-Birds were scheduled to begin the year facing Northern Arizona University's club team, but those games were canceled due to COVID protocols. MCC will begin their season on February 1 at home against Ottawa University Arizona from Surprise in a doubleheader at 1 and 3 pm.

"We are excited to play a mix club teams, that include Northern Arizona University and Grand Canyon University," said Moorehead. "Our schedule also features some NAIA opponents in which the program has never played; those include OUAZ, Park University in Gilbert, Arizona Christian University, and Benedictine University at Mesa. It's a new non-conference schedule, we changed things up from years past. This should be a new and exciting opportunity for our program."

The NJCAA released their preseason polls this past Monday, with the ACCAC being well represented. In DII Softball, the reigning champion Phoenix College Bears will begin their season at number one in the poll. South Mountain also showed up in the preseason poll ranked 16 to start the year.

"Our conference opponents are always tough," said Moorehead. "Region 1 NJCAA Softball is the top of the top, and the best softball region nationwide! Division I or Division II opponents present a great opportunity and challenge for our student-athletes. I am looking forward to seeing where we stack up amongst the very best."

Due to the cancellations this week, you will now be able to catch your first glimpse of the T-Bird softball squad next Tuesday, February 1 at home against OUAZ at 1 pm and 3 pm.

Don't forget to check out the MCC Team Shop, as well as our Booster Club.