Golden Rams Turn in Spectacular Season on Softball Diamond

By R.P. Sexton

Staff writer

The Anoka-Ramsey Community College women’s softball squad may have been disappointed by the

season-ending results at last week’s NJCAA Regional Championships, but the statistics and record over

the previous three months suggest that ARCC fielded a team that was cohesive, focused, and anything but

a disappointment. The Rams finished the regular season with a record of 26-13 and a ranking of seventh

in the nation against Division III competition.

“I knew we had good talent,” said Coach Dave Alto, “it was just a matter of putting it together on the

field.”

And that they did, compiling a distinguished 10-3 record at home, with an astonishing 46

home runs in total, ranking them number one in the nation in the category. “That was a big surprise,” said

Alto, “the amount of power we had over the season. This is one of the first things I tell possible incoming

recruits,” he said.

The players themselves don’t seem so concerned with statistics as much as wins and having fun together.

“We kind of all know each other now, and we’re a well-fit together,” said right fielder Ana Doran. “We

all know how we play.”  Jen Zidar, who plays catcher and third base, adds. “I came in about halfway

through, but everyone just accepted things and it all came together. There isn’t a time where at least four

of us aren’t hanging out together.” Centerfielder/infielder Cassidie Kunkel agrees. “It started off a little

rocky, but after we won a few games it got a lot easier,” she said. “We adapted to playing together as a

team.”

The immediate future, too, looks to be very good for the ARCC women’s softballers. Despite the talent

here, and the subsequent lure and possibility of transferring to other schools, the players here seem

content. “My plan is playing here next year,” said Kunkel. “For sure.”