It hasn't been much of a secret that for the past few seasons the Menlo Softball team has struggled in piling up wins.  A combined 12-64 record over the last two years has been the story, but now it's time for a different author. 

Enter Mike Givens, a Bay Area native who has spent the last 17 years coaching in Sandpoint, Idaho racking up a number of sterling accolades in the process.  As a baseball coach he led the Bulldogs of Sandpoint High School to their first ever state title, outscoring their opponents 56-11 throughout their magical run.  Serving as the Director/Head Coach for Softball U-18, Givens was voted Best Coach in Bonner County History for all of his impressive accomplishments. 

The accolades and experience is one thing, but being able to translate that into wins on the field is a different animal.  However if anyone is able to complete this challenge, it's Givens.  His unwavering passion, extreme enthusiasm, and hard work ethic should bode well in turning around the program.  "My hope is that my intensity can rub off onto the players," remarked the first year Oaks Head Coach.  "I have a lot of confidence coming into this season and things will be completely different from the past."

Givens enters his tenure with 10 new faces that should make an immediate impact in trying to change the softball culture at Menlo.  "There are some nice surprises coming in and they will be competing with our returners for a spot on the field," claims Givens.  Some of those returners include juniors Ululani Reyes and Mikayela Viramontes along with senior Jessica Cobb. 

Viramontes earned 2^nd Team All-Cal Pac honors last season as she led the Oaks with a stellar .355 batting average during conference play while Reyes and Cobb were tabbed with Cal Pac honorable mentions.  Givens is looking for Cobb to solidify her place as one of the team's best hurlers while he expects Reyes to be a leader on and off the field.

As far as the newcomers are concerned, Givens is enthusiastic about a trio of freshmen that have the potential to pay dividends throughout the course of 2012.  According to the head coach, Nicole Larson and Emmeline Wang are both lightning quick and sound defenders, while Kayla Cisneroz brings a strong bat into her first season with the Oaks. 

The ingredients for a successful 2012 campaign are in place and couple that with a new culture laid down by Givens, and the Menlo softball program has a chance to turn some heads this year.  Givens has developed a competitive atmosphere, helped in part by intense practices that stress game situations.  The Oaks head coach is looking for his team to make the routine plays, minimize big innings, and most importantly play hold each other accountable. 

"It's definitely a competitive environment out there," claimed the Oaks head man.  "Not only do we have depth, but it's ‘quality' depth which has all of our girls competing for playing time.  You are going to have to be able to do the little things that help win games."

Menlo will kick off the 2012 season on the road at NCAA Division II CSU Stanislaus this Wednesday, February 1^st. 

Top 5 Things to Watch For:

1.  New Culture-

The addition of a new head coach will by default open up a brand new era.  Mike Givens, a Bay Area native, will be looking to turn around two straight six win seasons. He stresses fundamentals, competition, and smart play, and according to Givens, if Menlo is able to excel in these aspects then his team should be quite alright.      

2.  Pitching Fundamentals-

Menlo and Head Coach Mike Givens brought in Keith Berg, a renown pitching coach in the softball world.  Berg has had stints with NCAA Division I programs St. Mary's, North Texas, and Northern Illinois, and even coached softball pitching legend Monica Abbott.  The program is high on Berg and thinks he can have a big influence on Tricia Davidson, Mikayela Viramontes, and Jessica Cobb who will be expected to shoulder most of the load in the circle.     

3.  DEFENSE!-

Last year's team made 76 errors in 36 games to account of a total of 76 unearned runs.  Menlo has good pitching so if the defense can help minimize the big inning, then the Oaks will have a chance to accomplish some special things in 2012.  Look for junior Ululani Reyes to sure up Menlo's up the middle defense, freshman Emmeline Wang to come up big from the catcher's position, and freshman Nicole Larson with her great arm and blazing speed to be key cog in the outfield.  

4.  Challenging Out of Conference Schedule-

Menlo will see what they are made of early and often.  The Lady Oaks will square off with a number of nationally ranked teams including Azusa Pacific, Concordia, and last year's national champion Oregon Tech.  "It's very good competition but the girls are excited about it," claims Givens.  "It should prepare us for the Cal Pac." 

5.  Offensive Execution-

This year's team has great balance in their lineup.  Menlo brings speed into the equation with Nicole Larsen and Emmeline Wang.  Contact and high average type hitters in Ululani Reyes and Kayla Cisneroz.  And power hitters in Jessica Soliai and Stephanie Gilbert.