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The whistle of green-stained balls and metallic rings echo through the air. Every day after school the girls’ varsity softball team practices hard on the soccer field, preparing for yet another tiring season.
This year, the Cardinals are striving for another championship season. On March 11, the players beat International Studies Academy, a possible playoff contender, 12-1. On March 9, the team continued their undefeated record against Lincoln, beating their rival Mustangs 8-1. On March 4 they destroyed the Galileo Lions 17-0. The game ended early after the third inning due to the mercy rule.
The team hit off the season on a solid note, pulverizing Sacred Heart College Prep on Feb. 25 with a score of 16-5 and beating Marin High School 2-0 on Feb. 19. The scheduled games on March 12 and Feb. 23, against El Camino and Mills High, respectively, were rained out.
The team currently holds a spotless record of 4-0. Even against schools outside their league, the Cardinals remain undefeated. “Usually our preseason games are a good indicator of what’s to come in our regular season,” sophomore outfielder Emma Nakayoshi said.
This year’s team possesses the three essential factors needed to dominate the AAA. These include the powerful team leadership provided by senior captains pitcher Alina Werth and third baseman Lauren Quirarte, the addition of young talent like freshman pitcher Magenta Strongheart and an experienced coaching staff headed by head coach Sascha Ray.
With the loss of five graduated senior players, including the dynamic duo of center fielder Sophia Chen and second baseman Kristina Tran, the team definitely lost talent behind the plate. However junior catcher and infielder Chloe Roddy makes up the difference on offense, and Werth will be the main source of the Cardinals’ offense. “Werth and Roddy can really hit well, and it’s reflected on the scoreboard,” Nakayoshi said.
In addition to the team’s impressive offense, the women’s softball team sports a highly aggressive infield. “We have a lot of good players this year,” Roddy said. “Everyone steps up during practice and it really shows up in game time.”
With a solid team backing them up, optimistic captains Werth and Quirarte can look to lead the team to another championship. “Our captains have shown really strong leadership and push us to try even harder during practices,” Strongheart said.
According to Nakayoshi, great practices also lead to strong bonds within the team. “Right now our strengths seem to be our team chemistry and defense,” Nakayoshi said.
Come watch the Cardinals at 3:30 p.m. tomorrow at the Fairmont Field, Pacifica as they take on St. Ignatius. |
