Softball season at De Anza College kicked off on Jan. 25 and the women were off to a hot start, defeating Mendocino College 8-1.
 Though the team made the win look easy, head coach Rachel Pacheco begged to differ.
 “We’re always looking to get better every year,” she said.
Since Pacheco began her career in De Anza, many of her student athletes have earned scholarships to four-year universities. She said she views all her players as very well behaved young ladies.
The De Anza softball team made the regional tournament for the first time last year while placing third in the Coast-North Division under Pacheco’s guidance.  
Pacheco said her team has a common goal – to succeed. She said there are no problems with this year’s team in the locker room either and described it as a fun group to be around, with a lot of good players.
 Tawni Jobke, an All-American (No. 2, shortstop) and Taylor McCloud (No. 18, first base) are the back bone of the team, Pacheco said.
She said she has three tremendous rookies on this year’s roster, headed by Jionna Birdie on second base.
Pacheco said she believes balance is the key to her team’s success.
“Good pitching to dictate the game and good hitting to end up with the win,” she said.
 Getting their first win with a landslide backed up the statement.
 Pacheco said she wants her team to grow and peak this season on both sides of the ball.
If the team could maintain this level of play, they have a big chance at being first in the league at the end of the season.  
The De Anza softball team will play its next game against the College of the Sequoias in Visalia on Feb. 9.