“We’re always trying to get 1 percent better every day in practice,” Flores said.

The Vikings have been working hard, she said.

“We’ve been doing a lot of cross-fit this year, which is something new,” Flores said. “We got so much stronger from it, so that was good.”

Coaching the team is Amy Suiter, starting her second season as Vikings coach. The Vikings were second in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference, with 24-11 in the conference and 36-16 overall last season.

The Vikings have 13 total returning players and recruited five new freshmen. Leading the Vikings are first baseman Krista Bickar, outfielder Jessica Carey, second baseman and pitcher Stephanie Fox and third baseman Jordan Emmil.

Bickar is tied for Western’s top homerun hitters with 12 and was a two-time honorable mention in the GNAC.

Carey is a team co-captain and was a second-team GNAC pick in 2010.

Other Vikings returning this season include junior catcher Jackie Rothenberger who was a second-team all GNAC pick last year and batted .344.

Junior first baseman and team co-captain Rachelle Berry was a GNAC academic all-star as a sophomore. Sophomore right fielder Meghan Carrillo is also returning; she hit .315 last season.

The returners in the field are junior middle infielder Melissa Becker, sophomore shortstop Kaleigh Keating and Flores.

“I’m super excited,” Flores said. “Our girls have been working really hard this year. We believe we’re the best in the league and that’s all that really matters.”

Returning pitchers include junior Erika Hendron, sophomore Jenna DeRosier and sophomore Devyn Baker. DeRosier had a 3.63 earned run average. Fox and freshman Janelle Kasch will also see time on the mound this season.

Assistant coach Albert Rivera has been working with the team to improve.

“We got a lot of returners, a lot of experience back from last year,” he said. “Our freshmen are really talented.”         

Kasch was recruited from Snohomish High School along with left fielder Tayler Blumenfeld from Lake Stevens High School and third baseman Cheyenne Best from Sedro-Woolley High School.

Other recruited players include freshman outfielder Allie Crowe and utility player Matti Tetzlaff, who can play catcher, shortstop and outfield.

Two transfers complete this season’s roster: second baseman Kristen Allen, who hit .575, and catcher Nicole Rogers, with 10 home runs.

“We’ve gotten along pretty well,” Flores said. “Transfers have fit right in. It’s a new team, new year and we’re all 21 best friends, so it’s awesome.”

Rivera said he has a good feeling about this season.

“I think based on conference, it’s up for grabs,” Rivera said.

Related articles:

• Softball knocked out at regionals
• Softball struggles at home: Vikings lose three of four, stumble from first place
• Softball wins one before rainout