BERKELEY – California added some experience to the roster this off season with the addition of three in-state transfers, the team announced recently.
 
To join the Golden Bears in 2018 are Foothill College transfers catcher Marcella Kay and utility player Mariko Kondo, along with pitcher Kamalani Dung, who transferred from Fresno State.
 
After losing seven seniors, the trio of transfers brings the newcomer count to a harmonious eight, with the Bears announcing five incoming freshmen during the fall signing period in November.
 
"We're really excited to have these young ladies join our group. They're going to add depth to the team because they're bringing in a couple of years of experience," said head coach Diane Ninemire, who is getting reading to celebrate her 30th year at the helm of the Cal softball program. "Kamalani is going to be impactful with our young pitching staff, while Mariko will help us infield and Marcella behind the plate. We're looking forward to this team gelling quite well."
 

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MEET THE TRIO

Kamalani Dung
Hometown: Waianae, Hawai'i
Transfer From: Fresno State

• Named to the 2017 NFCA All-Pacific Region Third Team
• Earned Mountain West Pitcher of the Year and All-Mountain West  First Team honors
• Named MW Pitcher of the Week in back-to-back weeks (May 2 & May 9) last season
• Threw 31 complete games, including a MW-best nine shutouts that ranked 17th in NCAA
• Finished with a record of 26-15 that was the most wins in MW and ranked 14th in the NCAA
• Pitched  a 2.23 ERA and 218 strikeouts, leading the MW in both with strikeout count ranking  24th in nationally

Why Cal: I chose Cal because of the excitement of the coaching staff, and the opportunity to reach my full potential as a player and as a person under their guidance. Although there were many schools to choose from, I decided Cal so I could compete at the highest level both athletically in the PAC 12, and academically at one of the best schools in the nation. To top it off, I love California and the Cal campus/Bay area.
 
Marcella Kay
Hometown: San Jose, Calif.
Transfer From: Foothill College

• Led the CCCAA Coast Conference with 13 homers, setting a program record and also led conference in runners caught stealing (13)
• Won conference title for the first time ever in program history while at Foothill
• Recorded a .360 batting average and 16 stolen bases for the Owls

Why Cal: I chose Cal because I wanted to challenge myself at the highest levels of excellence, and it was obvious to me that both academically and athletically, Cal is -unparalleled.
 
Mariko Kondo
Hometown: San Carlos, Calif.
Transfer From: Foothill College

• Named to the Coast Conference first team all-league list
• Won conference title for the first time ever in program history while at Foothill

Why Cal: I chose Cal because this university will allow me to combine a world class academic experience with the highest level of softball. Cal's academic opportunities will let me explore my many interests and really learn what I want to do in life and for my career. I am also very excited to be playing alongside my little sister Cameron Kondo who will be a freshman this year. Cal will present me with a very new and exciting journey where I will be able to challenge myself.