Power play

BARSTOW - Eight games into the season the offense has been front and center for the Barstow Vikings softball team.

The offense has averaged 10 runs per game through the early portion of the season. However, the defense and pitching has been inconsistent resulting in a 4-4 record.

Barstow hosts Taft on Thursday in a final tuneup before conference play begins next week. Game times are noon and 2 p.m.

"We are excited about the way our bats have responded so far this season," said coach Tim Syrek. "In every game we have hit the ball hard. We are confident at the plate, but we need to be more consistent on defense and baserunning."

The Vikings have three home runs on the season. Freshmen Melissa Galindo and Anne Marie Hernandez have homered along with catcher Alicia Klaudt. Hernandez and Klaudt both hit grand slams.

"We are concentrating on the process not always the results," Syrek said. "We are looking for good at bats where batters see the ball well and make solid contact. If we can be consistent with our approach we will be a good offensive team."

The Vikings are working hard to play with an approach to move runners on base and create opportunities.

"We like our lineup from top to bottom," Syrek added. "If we continue to be unselfish at the plate good things will happen."

Lindsey Crane has earned three wins on the season and pitched a complete game in a 16-4 win over Cerro Coso. Maggie Crossley has thrown well and has a 1-0 record.

"When our pitchers work ahead in the count good things happen," Syrek said. "Our defense thrives when the pitchers are in the zone working hard."