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They may not be bionic, but there's no question that a bigger, faster and stronger Western Nevada College softball team will be taking the field this year in their second season of existence.

First-year coach Leah Wentworth has a much more athletic squad this season than the one that took the field in WNC's inaugural year. Wentworth said all 15 players on the team will compete for a starting position.

"Right now I feel really confident that any one of the girls can go out and do a good job," Wentworth said. "It's really going to be hard to make the starting lineup which is a good problem to have."

Another difference from last year's team is the depth of pitching. While WNC struggled at times to find just one pitcher to take the mound last season, this year the Wildcats have four solid pitchers.

"I would be shocked if they all didn't pick up a couple more miles an hour," said Wentworth about a fastball for all four pitchers.

This year's team will also be much faster. Wentworth said players who had 3.3-3.4 second speed from home to first have dropped their times to 3.15-3.10 and those in the 3.1 range have dropped their times to 2.8-2.9.

"They look good," Wentworth said. "They've been working really, really hard for us in the fall. The group is really just working well together."

WNC's players also maintained a cumulative 3.23 grade point average during the fall semester. Seven of the players made the Dean's List with a 3.5 G.P.A or higher and four of the players had a 3.8 G.P.A. or higher.

WNC has a good mix of experience and youth with seven sophomores returning from last year's team and eight freshmen. Here's a look at the 15 players:

Alex Arciniega _ Arciniega, who played shortstop last year, will move to second this season. "She really looks natural there," Wentworth said. "She's got quick hands." Wentworth said Arciniega can also hit with power.

Frances Estrada _ The Fernley standout played left field last year and will return to that position this season. "She should definitely make an impact for us," Wentworth said.

Anastacia Kreider _ A returning utility player from last year, Kreider will see most of her time at catcher this season. "Out of all the sophomores, she's probably made the most dramatic improvement," Wentworth said. "She's a great receiver."

Kelsie Fahr _ Fahr was an infielder last year and has moved to outfield this season. Fahr handles the bat well and can hit with power and will likely anchor the No. 2 spot in the order, Wentworth said.

Ashley Williams _ A returning designated hitter-first baseman, Williams will likely be in the lineup at one of those positions this year. "She's just got really a deadly bat," Wentworth said. "She's going to be hard to keep out of the lineup."

Alissa Rampa _ Rampa saw time at second base and third base last year and will move to first base this season, although she could also see time again at third. "She's a solid athlete that's got a great glove," Wentworth said.

Cassie Vondrak _ The Carson High graduate is battling a hip flexor, but it's hoped that it's not serious. Vondrak will definitely be counted on for her pitching and could also see time at designated hitter and first base as she hits with power as well. "She's got great velocity," Wentworth said.

Ashley Hall _ She's got some good velocity as well," Wentworth said. "Her ball moves really well." When Hall isn't pitching, she'll start at third and could hit in the leadoff spot or in the third or cleanup spot in the order. "She's a vacuum over there at third," Wentworth said. "She probably has te best gun on our team."

Jen Watkins _ Watkins is another pitcher who will be counted on heavily. "She's just got great command of her pitches," said Wentworth, who also said Watkins has a great changeup.

Elisa Dawson _ "She is a curveball-changeup pitcher," Wentworth said. "She's got some decent velocity as well. When Hall is pitcher, Dawson could also see time at third.

Lisa Senko _ A returning outfielder, Senko is a team captain with a 3.8 G.P.A. "Her swing is just completely dialed in," Wentworth said.

Missy McKinnon _ McKinnon is the fastest player on the team who will be competing for time in the outfield.

Paige Savage _ Savage will take over at shortstop. Wentworth said Savage has a quick release and outstanding range. "At short she's got a good glove," Wentworth said.

Alicia Merrell _ A utility player, Merrell should spend most of her time sharing the catcher position with Kreider.

Chrissy Lawton _ The second fastest player on the team, Lawton will compete for time in the outfield.

Even though WNC is much improved the competition should be as tough as ever. The Wildcats will compete against such national powers as Northern Idaho, College of Southern Idaho, College of Southern Nevada and Salt Lake Community College in the Scenic West Athletic Conference. And the Wildcats will open the season at 5:15 Friday, Jan. 29 in a tournament in Las Vegas against the the defending national champion, Yavapai of Arizona.