Submitted photo – The Redwoods softball team.

The Corsairs got the new softball season off to a successful start with a doubleheader sweep over the weekend.

Playing at Chabot College on Friday, the College of the Redwoods women won 8-4 and 9-6.

This year’s team features six former H-DN players, including Sadie Hampton and Ashley Ballew, who are team captains in 2023, along with returning pitcher Kylee Dewey.

Dewey got her first win of the season in the circle in game one, with former McKinleyville Panther Allie Egbert getting her first collegiate win in game two in relief.

“Once she came in, she dominated the game and our bats warmed back up in the fifth and got her the runs we needed,” head coach Megan Valente said of Egbert, a 2022 Mack High grad.

Hampton, a standout shortstop, got the new campaign off to a good start with four hits on the day, including a double, as well as four stolen bases.

The Corsairs came out strong in game one and opened up a 5-0 lead in the top of the second and never trailed after that.

Kyla Cockerham finished 2-for-3 with a triple and two stolen bases in game one, while Brooke Faraimo had a double and an RBI.

Egbert, who made some big catches in center field, was 3-for-4 with a pair of runs scored in game one.

Kyla Pontoni also had a big game at the plate in game two, as the Corsairs rallied from an early deficit with eight runs over the final three innings.

Pontoni, who also made some big plays at first base,  finished 3-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs, while Faraimo was 2-for-4.

“I am very proud of this team this year already,” Valente said. “It’s a different mindset and attitude. We added some different pieces and can really compete this season.”

Ballew also was instrumental in the sweep with some big plays behind the plate.

“She did a great job keeping Chabot’s runners close to the bag with her great arm,” the head coach of the starting catcher, who threw out a runner at first base on a pick and also had an outstanding diving catch for a key out.

After having a scheduled game at Los Medanos canceled, next up the Corsairs will play at Mendocino College on Friday.