The Close to a Home Run

Softball season ends, looks forward to next season

The+Close+to+a+Home+Run

Sami Johnson

The Lady Maroon softball team lost in the first round of the playoffs with a district record of 3-3 a district record of 5-9.

“The season could’ve gone better,” JV player Brianna Gil said. “Last year, we didn’t make it to playoffs, overall this season was an improvement in comparison to last year.”

New softball coach, Kristen Lozano, has made an impact on the players and has changed the overall dynamic of the team.

“Our environment is more focused now,” JV player Desiree Reyes said. “We have this goal in mind that we’re going to reach and [Lozano] helps us get better to reach that goal.”

The team is already preparing for next year’s season with the switch from 6A to 5A conferences and the goal of winning district.

“Next year, moving down to 5A, it’s going to be really different,” junior varsity player Makayla Dominguez said. “We’re not going to have as much competition, which is disappointing, but I’m looking forward to becoming stronger and probably winning district next season.”

Like any other sport, teamwork plays the biggest role on the field and when making decisions regarding plays.

“Teamwork creates unity between the teammates and allows us to make plays easier,” Reyes said. “It boils down to us knowing each other, so we know how their reaction will be on the field.”

Teamwork has also allowed for the creation of stronger bonds on and off the field.

“My favorite thing about playing softball is the girls,” Dominguez said. “We’re like a family, which is helpful because without teamwork we couldn’t really do anything. Everyone has to put in their job to win the game, and we all understand that.

Stronger team spirit has played a role in the development of the team dynamic.

“My favorite thing about playing is the hype energy,” Reyes said. “The energy between all of us is a really unique feeling, and it’s something you can’t find anywhere else.”

Across the board, there are high hopes for next year’s season and goals the team wishes to achieve.

“I’m looking forward to my senior year playing,” Gil said. “We have a lot of returners and hopefully the season will end on a good note.”