Junior Stacy Compos gets ready for a pitch. The Lady Grizzlies are getting ready for the upcoming season.

Softball is smashing to the top
Zoe Kisling | 2/29/08 | Softball

Returning to this year's team are some very talented seniors. Sarah Blackburn will be the Grizzlies ace pitcher in the circle this year accompanied by Natalie Garcia, playing second base and outfield. Joining them are returning seniors Kari Burrough, playing outfield and first base, Sabrina Hernandez starting at first, and Brittney Tillery playing outfield.

"I would like to take EYL and at least make it to Valley Finals, but I wouldn't mind if we won the whole thing too, I would just like to make it that far," pitcher Sarah Blackburn said.

Also returning this year are juniors Stacey Campos, starting at short stop, and Veronica Herrera, switching off between the infield and outfield. Last year's catcher, sophomore Zoe Kisling, will again play behind the plate.

Joining the Lady Grizzlies this season are juniors Stephanie Fletcher and Alex Williams. Sophomores Mary-Kate Herrera, Deanna Alamillo, and Marissa Martinez also are stepping it up as they join the varsity roster. Sophomore Margie Malacara, returning red shirt from last year, will be playing both outfield and infield for the Grizzlies this year.
With a tough season ahead, the Lady Grizzlies definitely have the talent to match.

Many of the girls have "A-ball" experience playing for various highly selective teams around the Valley. Sarah Blackburn and Natalie Garcia play for the 18-U STARS, while players Deanna Alamillo and Zoe Kisling finished off the summer playing for the Central Valley STORM.

Stacey Campos played for the Force over the past summer, Veronica Herrera played for the Magic and Sabrina Hernandez has found herself playing for the Krush. Experience like this will definitely help the Lady Grizzlies this year.

The most exciting new editions to the Lady Grizzlies are Head Coach Gabe Rodriguez and assistant varsity coach Shelly Taylor. Coaches Rodriguez and Taylor have been working with the girls for the past three weeks evaluating and conditioning them, while deciding who plays where. Not only are they bringing in new coaching techniques, but also a new attitude as well. Rodriguez has a coaching background from previously coaching freshman boy's football, and varsity girl's soccer. Taylor has softball experience coming from her previous years at Exeter. With the knowledge these two bring to the game, the season should turn out well.

"I'm really hoping for a fun season this year, and I hope that the team will work well together. With teamwork and good attitudes I really think that the girls will accomplish a lot. I'm hoping for a good record and berth to the playoffs." Coach Gabe Rodriguez said. "I want to give to the girls a fun season and a place to just come out, relax, and do what these girls love. I know that the veterans on the team are going to step it up, and will show me a few things about this game," continued Rodriguez.

This year will hold a huge amount of competition for the Lady Grizzlies. Competition such as the Tulare Union Reskins and the Tulare Western Mustangs. Both teams have always seemed to be a tough match for the team. As far as city competition goes, the Grizzlies will battle it out for city champs against rivals Porterville Panthers and Monache Marauders.

With the amount of talent, knowledge and skill brought upon the Lady Grizzlies varsity softball program this year, the team is sure to be the one to beat.