The sun shines down, illuminating the field with a golden hue. With pressure mounting late in the game, the Poly girls’ varsity softball team found itself locked in a tight battle against Rio Hondo. At this point in the game, every swing matters. Senior captain and outfielder Carthan Connolly steps up to the plate and slowly inhales, preparing herself for what comes next. Quickly, the pitcher releases a strike as Connolly halts, locking her eyes on the projectile. She loads back, ready to attack. Slam! With one quick swing, she sends the ball flying over the fence. The whole team erupts in celebration, adding another win to their campaign.
This season, the girls’ softball team has seen early success. They currently hold an overall 5-2 record—1-0 in league play—and the squad has high hopes for the season ahead. “We want to win the Prep League and make it far in CIF,” contributed senior shortstop and second baseman Eila Chan. To reach these goals, the squad must rely on rising young stars like sophomore infielder Kate Asperger, who currently boasts a notable 0.438 batting average in the season. It’s clear that if the squad continues to work hard and rely on their talent, these goals are within reach.
A big focus of the year thus far has been on fundamentals and communication. In a sport where quick decisions can determine the outcome of an inning, players must trust their teammates and ensure that everyone is on the same page defensively. “So far this season, the team has been working on communication and making sure that the ball’s going to the right spot; we are making sure not to throw the ball around aimlessly,” Head Coach Jennifer Bond explained. By focusing on accurate throws and clear communication, the Panthers hope to strengthen their defensive play and reduce costly mistakes that could potentially lose them games in the future.
While the team hopes to continue refining these areas, they already possess several strengths that have helped them thus far in the year. Asperger shared, “I think we work really well together as a team. We are really close and work as a unit.” This team chemistry has really helped the squad perform this year.
In addition, Chan added, “It also helps that many players have softball backgrounds.” This familiarity with the sport allows the team to remain calm during intense moments and continue competing at a high level, no matter who stands in front of them.
Looking ahead, the Panthers have very high hopes for the remainder of the season. With the squad’s growing experience and commitment to teamwork, the Poly girls’ varsity softball team hopes to continue building on their success as the season moves forward, and we cannot wait to see what they do next.
