After defeating Montclair High School 7-6 on May 17, the softball team fought its way into the first round of the CIF playoffs. However, the girls’ season came to an end in a tough loss on May 19 against Gahr Richard High School.
After five innings, the game was called to an end as a result of the mercy rule, with a 10-0 loss.
“It was a tough loss,” infielder Brenda Zaragoza ’17 said. “We went into the game ready to give it our all. We knew they were a good team, and we wanted to leave everything on the field. After the game, I think we were all a bit disappointed because we really wanted to win.”
Although the team was upset about losing in the first round of playoffs, the girls are proud of what they were able to accomplish as a team.
“I’m overall very proud of our team for coming together over the season on the field,” outfielder Gillian Gurney ’17 said. “In the beginning we didn’t know each other as well, and there of course was a lot of talent, but we hadn’t figured out yet how to play together. Once we got into the season, we really got to know each other’s strengths, and I think that helped us to gel together as one unit.”
The squad’s head coach said she feels the same sentiments.
“We had an incredible season, which was a dramatic improvement from last year,” Head Coach Melanie Williams said. “I don’t think the team could have done better. They could have had a few more catches or a couple more hits, absolutely, but that’s the nature of softball. Going to playoffs definitely gave us insight into what it takes to be a championship team.”
Throughout the season, the squad was able to work on a variety of skills. The players gained more confidence, improved the skills necessary for their positions and began to take on leadership roles for next year’s season.
“I think a good thing for us to work on next year is playing at a high level of the game no matter who our opponent is,” Gurney said. “We sometimes sink down to the opponent’s level and forget our capabilities. So I think we should definitely work on playing the game we know how 100 percent of the time, no matter who we face.”
