As players wind down and tuck wooden bats back into their bags, Poly’s girls varsity softball team season has officially concluded. Despite the team’s final match, a 14-0 loss against Oxnard, the Panthers embraced determination and a resolve to win throughout the season. A testament to their overall success, the team managed to finish undefeated in Prep League, end with a 17-3 non-league record, rank 277th in California, and secure the Prep League title.
Their success couldn’t have been achieved without the steadfast leadership of their senior captains: center fielder Carthan Connolly, shortstop and second baseman Eila Chan, and short stop, second baseman, and right-handed pitcher Ellery Engstrom.
“They have been nothing but supportive throughout the whole season. They constantly advocate for the team and keep us organized as well as give us feedback after games,” shared freshman third baseman Dannika Rivera.
Beyond good leadership, the team’s success is largely a product of their strong chemistry. Through newfound team traditions such as making candy salads together, this team really grew into a close-knit group, feeling like a family by season’s end. Rivera stated, “Going to softball practices and games became highlights of my days because I got to see some of my closest friends.”
One of the more defining games of the year took place on Wednesday, April 8, when the Panthers faced Harvard-Westlake, defeating them 5 to 3. In the game, Poly took an early lead, going up 2-0 in the first two innings, but Harvard-Westlake pushed back, scoring two runs in the fifth inning and making the score 5-3. Luckily, Poly’s defense was able to hold on for the last two innings and clinch the win against the 185th-ranked Wolverines.
Furthermore, the team’s ability to grow and adapt was crucial. Early in the year, team chemistry was lackluster as players were still growing familiar with one another. This became evident in an early season loss to Flintridge Sacred Heart on Thursday, March 5.
Miscommunication in the field and hesitation at the plate made it clear that the team wasn’t cohesive yet. However, over the course of the season, players continued to improve and learn to trust one another. Head coach Jennifer Bond added, “These girls have really picked up their communication skills. It’s clear that they have improved as they have gotten to know each other.”
For the penultimate game of the season on April 29, Poly played Flintridge Sacred Heart again, this time securing a 7-6 victory, a testament to how far they had come.
