The Varsity softball team is gearing up for an exciting new season. With a mix of seasoned players and promising new talent, the team has been working hard to perfect their skills and build a strong team culture.
Mikayla Arista (11) started as a freshman on varsity and is now in her third year of high school softball. Arista starts on and off the field and is a huge piece to the team’s success. Arista had the second highest batting average and ended the season off with a 0.432.
Arista said what she is most excited for the upcoming season is, “Getting to know the girls better and seeing what we can accomplish together. We had an amazing season last year so I can only hope that this season will be even better.”
Arista is the starting second baseman for our varsity team. For a personal goals for the new season she said, “A goal that I want to achieve for this season is having a more positive mindset and trusting in myself and my abilities in the game.”
She also added, “My favorite memory from last season was when we would get lunch together before games, and having fun during practices.”
Keeping the motivation and drive in a game can be intense for players. Arista said, “I stay motivated during tough games by setting small, achievable goals that I want to accomplish, and by celebrating the small things whether that’s for myself or my teammates.”
Arista is what you would call a seasoned player and has been playing for 9 years. She has many pieces of advice for players, especially new players coming into the sport. She said, “If you’re new to the sport I would say don’t be afraid to ask questions or make mistakes. Mistakes are a big part of the game and no matter how experienced you are you’re going to make mistakes.”
Maliyah Salas (11) has been playing with our varsity team since her freshman year as well. As a designated hitter, Salas focuses most of her energy on her performance at the plate. She wrapped up her sophomore season with a 0.340 batting average.
Salas doesn’t play the field, but she plays a crucial role in boosting the teams energy from the dugout, always keeping her teammates pumped up and excited for games. Salas said, “What I’m most excited about the upcoming season is playing with all of my friends.”
As a DH it is the player’s job to hit well and is a huge part of the offensive side of the game. Salas said, “The personal goal I really want to focus on is improving my batting skills.”
Salas has so many good memories but she said, “My favorite memory is our weekly team dinners. I enjoy spending time with my teammates and playing fun games.”
Salas advice to people new to softball is, “Always keep good energy and that everyone makes mistakes, no one is perfect but to always learn from your mistakes.”
Hillary Morales (11) has also been on the varsity softball team since her freshman year. She is currently our starting catcher and does a great job behind the plate. She batted 0.303 and contributed to the team’s success with 20 RBI’s for the season.
Morales said, “What I’m most excited about this season is to make new memories with my teammates and to hopefully have a good season overall.”
A goal of hers for this upcoming season, Morales said, “My personal goal for this season is to strengthen my mental game and improve on my throw downs.”
Morales has had a tough time choosing a favorite memory but ultimately she said, “My favorite memory was from last season. It was when we played against Chowchilla, I enjoyed that game so much because it was such a competitive game.”
As a catcher Morales is constantly moving and is an essential part of each play. It can be tough and exhausting, Morales said, “How I stay motivated during a rough game is by staying in a positive mindset.”
A piece of advice that she would give is, “Stay dedicated and keep practicing even when it gets tough.”
The first home game for the Lady Tigers is February 22 against Orestimba. Be sure to go and show your support.
