Starting off the 2011 season, the Lowell softball team stands at a record of 4-2. Despite the loss of last year’s star seniors, pitcher Alina Werth and third-baseman Lauren Quirarte, the Cardinals are at a league 2-0 record. On Thursday March 10, the Cardinals flew past the Lincoln Mustangs 29-5 at Parkside Field.

On Tuesday March 8, the Cardinals opened the season with a 19-0 shutout of the Galileo Lions at West Sunset Field 19-0. As a result of the mercy rule, the game ended in the third inning.

Though the Cardinals shut out the Lions, the Saint Ignatius Wildcats beat the girls 11-1 during a non-league game on Feb. 25 to start off the Cardinal preseason. Although Saint Ignatius has always been a team full of hard hitters, the Cardinals failed to communicate, according to senior first baseman Chloe Roddy. “The team communication was not quite there, but has gotten a lot better as the team has had more games and experience playing together,” Roddy said.

Throughout their preseason, the Cardinals played well, considering the high caliber of play from schools in more competitive leagues.

On March 4, the San Mateo High Bearcats shut out the Cardinals 6-0. But on March 3, the Cardinals easily trounced El Camino High School 12-2 and the Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory Fighting Irish 2-0.

Despite a shaky start, the Cardinals are still improving. “I can tell that we are starting to talk more,” junior pitcher Michelle Willis said. “Like most teams, team chemistry takes time but we get better and better working together and making plays.”