It's been three seasons since Lassen College had a softball team. Now after a year of preparation, new head coach Cheryl Aschenbach will begin rebuilding the program.
Arriving in February of last year, the former player and coach has recruited a team largely made up of former Lassen High School players.

"I'm pleased with the 10 players we've got. We've got good pitching and hitting, and once we get deeper into the season, we should be strong on defense," Aschenbach said.

Aschenbach comes to Lassen after serving as a assistant coach at Chico State and University of Redlands. She also was a catcher at Cal Lutheran.

Lassen's featured pitcher will be Lassen High School's Charlene Gorbet. She will be called to start most of the games, since former teammate Cassie Dunn fled to Chapman College early last month.

"We figured Cassie would be No. 1 pitcher until she left. Charlene will fill in nicely though," Aschenbach said. "Charlene has good speed and movement on her pitches."

Other former Grizzlies include third baseman Laura Lamberton, outfielder Jodi Schlauch and shortstop Blayne Bauer. Aschenbach is waiting for the end of basketball season to add Janelle Mack, Jasmere Kirby, Melissa Bunker, Jennifer Dillie and Sabrina Dixon to the roster.

"Blayne is help up in the infield a lot. She's got good footwork and range," Aschenbach said.

The women played in a handful of fall games and will suit up for competitive schedule, starting next weekend.

"I wanted to face good competition. I'd rather play a bunch of tough teams and lose some games rather than win a lot against weaker opponents," she said.