The College of the Desert softball team wrapped up its 2026 season with a record of 11-17, overcoming challenges along the way. One of the team’s biggest accomplishments this season was its 9-8 home victory against Santa Ana College on Feb. 25, marking COD’s first home win against Santa Ana since 2014.
Head coach Kelli Finan credited the team’s all-around effort for the win.
“I think from a hitting standpoint, everyone did their role from the top of the lineup to the bottom of the lineup,” Finan said. “Alyssa, our pitcher, pitched really, really well in that last inning to shut them out and get us that win.”
That victory came with adversity. In the top of the fifth inning, shortstop Amariz Rodriguez was pulled because of an injury, forcing the team to adjust midgame. By the final game of the season, the team had only 11 players, creating additional challenges throughout the year, especially in situations like this. However, the team did not let it affect its performance.
“We don’t have a lot of depth on the bench,” Kelli Finan said. “From the beginning of the season, I’ve told the team it’s going to take every single one of us. Just like that, we had to pull Amariz out. We already used another sub. Everyone has to be a team player, be able to go into different positions and want to have success in those positions.”
Despite a smaller roster, the team found ways to compete. College of the Desert swept a doubleheader against Barstow College on March 30, marking its first double mercy-rule sweep in four seasons, with scores of 23-2 and 10-4. The team later dominated Barstow again in a home game on April 15, scoring 10 runs in the first inning and nine in the second to secure a 19-0 victory.
Sophomore Night was held April 22 against Mt. San Jacinto College, ending the season with a loss. However, first-year coach Bryana Walker emphasized that success extended beyond wins and losses.
“The goals were always to help these young women become adults in the real world,” Walker said. “When you look at it from that perspective, getting to hang out with them and coach them through life, that’s what’s most beautiful.”
The players felt that sense of growth and connection. Sophomore Dominique Moreno, who is graduating this spring, said she has no regrets about her final season.
“Everything happens for a reason,” Moreno said. “Through the ups and downs, we came together as a team, and every moment was a chance to grow.”
Alyssa Sanchez, a second-year player, said she relied on her teammates for support during difficult moments in games.
“I started to get frustrated at one point, but my teammates were there for me the whole time,” Sanchez said. “Hearing them encouraging me kept me going.”
Although the College of the Desert Roadrunners finished the season with a losing record, both players and coaches pointed to the team’s resilience, adaptability and strong bond as defining features of the season.
For Bryana Walker, that bond is what will last beyond the final record.
“It’s been the honor of a lifetime getting to coach these girls,” she said. “I’m really proud of them and everything they’ve accomplished.”
