This year the girls’ softball season started with a heartening 2-1 record and the team is looking forward to expanding their win streak to tip the scales even more. After a discouraging game against Dublin, the team came back with a tough 14-11 win against Tierra Linda and an enthusiastic 21-2 win against Ygnacio High School. With games every Tuesday and Thursday, the team will play many this season. They are excited about more games and look forward to improving and honing their skills.
This year, there are four freshmen on the softball team. The recent graduation of many seniors leaves the rest of the team welcoming the new wave of freshmen. Softball Coach Saul Tallarico feels spirited about the new team. Tallarico said, “[we are] very positive, very excited. We have a young team, a lot of freshmen and sophomores, and a really athletic team that is hungry to learn and to play. So far it’s going great.”
Freshman Quinn Hickey discussed her first year playing softball with the team: “It’s going pretty good. I enjoy hanging out with the team, and the practices are always filled with fun drills.” Hicked added, “I think that our team is really good – even the freshmen and sophomores who have never played before are already improving so much, and everyone brings something to the team…It couldn’t be possible without all of us together.” On the topic of team goals Hickey said, “I just want everyone to enjoy games and practices, always give 100%, and not focus on the bad things they do – everyone makes mistakes. I hope that we can go far and win games while also having fun and creating a strong bond.”
Freshman Beatrice Nelson said her teammates inspired her during their time together. “I love my teammates, and Paige [Williams] is a great team captain. I met her years ago, and she introduced me to Campo softball and motivated me to keep playing. She pushes us to work our hardest every day,” said Nelson.
Hickey said for any future new players they should keep in mind the following when trying out: “don’t stress over it, because it’s supposed to be fun, and focus on your attitude – that’s the most important thing. If you remember every mistake, then you always get down on yourself.” She added, “think about the good things and try to stay positive.”
Coach Tallarico, when asked what he is looking to see in the team, said “[we want] to see improvement, of course, and overall learning knowledge of the game.” Tallarico said this goes for both newer players and more experienced players. “I think some players who hadn’t played before, or only played a little rec ball, are seeing it a different way now…Just to see their growth in both understanding of the game and just improvement [is great].” Tallarico welcomes new players who are ready to learn and grow from the team.
