No Wins, No Quit: SMC Corsairs Women’s Softball Close Season With Heads Held High

Santa Monica College (SMC) Corsair Meredian Cordova (15) hits an RBI single in the game with Allan Hancock Bulldogs at Santa Monica, Calif., Tuesday, March 24, 2026. The Corsairs were defeated by the Bulldogs 20-2. (Tom Rosholt | The Corsair)

The Santa Monica College Corsairs women's softball team finished the season with a 0-15 record, but head coach Christine Druckman said the numbers didn’t tell the whole story.

The season got off to a rough start when the team lost its top two pitchers before play even began. Pitcher Cadence Pursell was called in to fill the gap at pitching rather than take the season off as planned. The Corsairs played with a small squad all season long.

Druckman and Assistant Coach Fabiola Gonzalez said they kept the team focused on moving forward and learning from each game.

"We had a conversation at the beginning of the season," Druckman said. "We were not sure we would be able to field a team. It was touch-and-go after losing two players. But all the players said they wanted to play, and everyone did their job."

After each game, Druckman made a point of highlighting team moments and individual achievements, fostering a culture of growth and confidence.

"They never had a give-up attitude," Druckman said. "They brought their best to every game."

Santa Monica College Corsair Head Coach Christine Druckman motivates her team during a pre-game pep rally before their matchup against the Moorpark College Raiders in Santa Monica, Calif., on Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. The Corsairs fell to the Raiders, 16-0. (Tom Rosholt | The Corsair)

Santa Monica College Corsair pitcher Cadence Pursell (7) pitching with a runner at second base during a game against Santa Barbara City College Vaqueros in Santa Monica, Calif., on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. The Corsairs lost to the Vaqueros, 12-3. (Tom Rosholt | The Corsair)

Santa Monica College Corsair second baseman Danaly Santos (12) waits in the on-deck circle for her next at bat during a game against Santa Barbara City College Vaqueros in Santa Monica, Calif., on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. The Corsairs lost to the Vaqueros, 12-3. (Tom Rosholt | The Corsair)

Santa Monica College (SMC) Corsair second baseman, Yoselin Hernandez (4), catches an infield groundball hop in the game with Allan Hancock Bulldogs at Santa Monica, Calif., Tuesday, March 24, 2026. The Corsairs were defeated by the Bulldogs 20-2. (Tom Rosholt | The Corsair)

Santa Monica College (SMC) Corsair Mandi Yamada (30) laughs at tripping over the bat as she runs out of the batter's box in the game with Allan Hancock Bulldogs at Santa Monica, Calif., Tuesday, March 24, 2026. The Corsairs were defeated by the Bulldogs 20-2. (Tom Rosholt | The Corsair)

Santa Monica College (SMC) Corsairs walking back to their dugout after congratulating the Valley College (VC) Monarchs following their game at Santa Monica, Calif., on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. The Corsairs were defeated by the Monarchs 25-15. (Tom Rosholt | The Corsair)

Santa Monica College (SMC) Corsair outfielder Danaly Santos (12) hits a single up the middle during the game with the Valley College (VC) Monarchs at Santa Monica, Calif., on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. The Corsairs were defeated by the Valley College Monarchs 25-15. (Tom Rosholt | The Corsair)

Santa Monica College Corsair Meridian Cordova (15) hits a line drive single during the game against Moorpark College Raiders in Santa Monica, Calif., on Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. The Corsairs were defeated by the Raiders, 16-0. (Tom Rosholt | The Corsair)

Santa Monica College Corsair Danaly Santos (12) stretching with team after the game against Moorpark College Raiders in Santa Monica, Calif., on Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. The Corsairs were defeated by the Raiders 16-0. (Tom Rosholt | The Corsair)

Santa Monica College Corsair Coach Christine Druckman discusses strategy during a break at the mound during a game against the Santa Barbara City College Vaqueros in Santa Monica, Calif., on April 7, 2026. The Corsairs fell to the Vaqueros, 12-3. (Tom Rosholt | The Corsair)