The Vikings softball season almost derailed before it even began. 

With a roster of just 10 players, DVC is one injury away from the minimum needed to compete. 

“[They] have had several minor injuries like ankles, thumbs, sore arms and backs,” said head coach Angela Goularte.  “The girls are working through those; they are a tough group.”

With a 3-5 record on the year, the Vikings have played well, despite facing teams with five to six more players. 

Third baseman Therese Gascon-Minton said she reminds her teammates last year was no different.

“We hold each other up in some ways,” she said.

Now the team heads into the ultra-competitive Big 8 Conference with a matchup March 16 against defending conference champions Sierra.  

Sierra lost in the state championship game last year. 

“Last year was a real awakening for the powerhouses of the Big 8 Conference,” Gascon-Minton said.  “They did not expect such a fight coming from a tiny team of 10. They should expect the same heart, fight, and dedication if not more than last year.”

When the team returned from the winter break, Goularte found she was down three players. 

“One moved and two decided not to play,” Goularte said.  “They felt [that] they needed to focus on academics.” 

The Vikings suffered yet another blow when returning outfielder Leanne Cory suffered a major knee injury in January after colliding with a baseball player on the football field. 

Her injury dropped the number of active players to only 10.  And that’s when Goularte sent out emails to professors and put up flyers around campus, asking if anyone was interested in playing softball for the 2010 season. 

But Goularte said she had no intention of cancelling the season.  “[We] never even thought of it or discussed it” she said.

DVC is led by an infield full of returning players.  Shortstop Jessica Pader, second baseman Brittany Herrera and Gascon-Minton all return for their second season.  Outfielder Megan Souza rounds out the list of second-year players. 

“The entire team has really stepped up to get our season going,” Goularte said.  “Returners are shining, and freshmen are filling in crucial positions.

“Everyone is being flexible and willing to play multiple positions to get through each game.”

With so few players and only two pitchers – Gina McAdle and Raven Mostella-Andeson – the Vikings don’t have the luxury of everyone playing her natural position. 

“It gives us more of a chance to get to know each other and bond,” Gascon-Minton said. “We spend almost everyday together and we learn early how each other is, on and off the field.” 

The Vikings play their next games Saturday against San Mateo and Feather River at a tournament in Fremont.