The Orcas Vikings came out swinging to start the 2011 softball season, crushing Concrete 20-10 on March 18. The next day they narrowly beat Squalicum in a low-scoring home game, 8-6, and took down South Whidbey 8-7 on March 20.

On March 26 they went up against Tacoma Baptist in Burlington for a big 15-2 win.

“The game went really well for us,” said head coach Scott Harris. “This is a team that is really coming into its own, coming together. We really had to renovate our team,” he said, with only two infield players in the same positions from last year. “We’re just working out the starting lineup, with seven people in new positions.”

He said the game really started with pitcher Adria Garcia, who “absolutely dominated in the circle.” “She’s just getting stronger and stronger, getting more confidence,” he said. “The defense is also performing at a high level, and as the defense gets stronger, the pitcher gets more confident.”

Against Tacoma Baptist Orcas had 13 hits, Tacoma only one. Each team had one error.

At bat Emily Bodenhamer went 3 for 4, with two home runs and a stolen base. Bella Nigretto went 2 for 2, with a triple; Aliviah Garcia went 2 for 3, with two triples; and Lana Bronn went 2 for 3, with a double.

“The seniors are leading well, the younger kids are coming along; we’re getting a rhythm,” said Harris.

“We are really happy with how it’s going; we’re really excited about the rest of the year.”

They will play at Darrington on April 1.

The next home game will be against Cedar Park on Saturday, April 2, 2 p.m. at Buck Park.