BERKELEY – Delays did not distract California softball as the team finally returned to its home field in Strawberry Canyon for its official first practice on Thursday.
 
Originally scheduled to break in the dirt at Levine-Fricke Field on Monday, constant rain forced the Golden Bears indoor for three days.
 
But, the bats were swinging fluidly and the bright yellow balls flew into gloves crisply, proving the team hadn't missed a beat.
 
"We were really excited about starting practice on Monday and even though we had to spend some time in the indoor facility it didn't stop us," said head coach Diane Ninemire. "We had some good production indoors, but today it's great to be outdoors and be on the turf and in the dirt.
 
"They've worked really hard and are in really good shape right now, so we're looking forward to our season."
 
That's good news for Ninemire as she starts her 30th year at the helm of the program. With such experience, weather inconveniences turn into lessons.
 
"This year it's 'make your bed'," Ninemire said would be the focus for the year. "It's about making sure we're doing the little things right. If we can't do the little things right, then we can never expect the big things to happen for us.
 
"It's about paying attention to detail and really working hard on the process instead of worrying about the wins and losses."
 
With a team of variable experience levels taking the field this season for the Blue & Gold - the Bears lost seven seniors at the end of 2017 - Ninemire has been impressed with the quick adaptation of the eight newcomers and the guidance of the returnees.
 
"We're almost 50 percent young and 50 percent old, so it's a good mix," Ninemire said. "The young players have come in very enthusiastic and willing to listen and learn. Our older players have really taken them under their wings and shown great leadership."
 
Among the eight new Bears are five freshmen and three transfers, highlighted by junior pitcher Kamalani Dung, who transferred from Fresno State. While with the Bulldogs, Dung was named Mountain West Pitcher of the Year in 2017 and led Fresno State to the post season.
 
 
While Cal's new faces are expected to contribute right away, key returners in junior pitcher Zoe Conley, junior Lindsay Rood and seniors Jazmyn Jackson, Kobie Pettis and Taurie Pogue will lead the way.
 
Jackson, who was recently selected to the US Women's National Team, led the Pac-12 with 17 doubles and earned her third NSCAA All-Pacific Region Offensive First Team nod.
 
Climate uncertainty comes with outdoor sports and with the season less than one month away, the Bears proved early that they can adjust to temperamental conditions.