Although practice for the Lady A’s began in February, the team has been preparing for the season all year long. The team doesn’t believe in an off-season. Mr. Dura, the team’s coach, said the girls “prepare 9 months a year” by participating in “fall ball, winter league, and scrimmages.” Sophomore Cinthya M. can confirm that: “We train anytime we get the chance to.”

The team officially began their season on March 2nd. Since then, the Lady A’s have earned a record of 9 wins, 5 losses, and 1 tie. However, their most stunning game may have taken place on Thursday, March 14th against Environmental Charter. Coach Dura described it as a game with “drama and late inning heroics, but on steroids!” One thing that stood out about this game was the fact that it went to extra innings. Throughout seven innings, the game had several lead changes as the game ended up being tied. The game had two extra innings, one in which both teams were scoreless. The ninth and final inning had a different story line though. The Lady A’s managed to score two more runs in the top of the 9th to bring the score to 7-5. The team also managed to keep Environmental’s White Tigers scoreless in extra innings to bring the game to an end.

Extra innings were not the only extraordinary part of the Lady A’s win against Environmental Charter. Sophomore pitcher DeAndria L. threw a ridiculous total of 169 pitches and struck out 23 batters! Her performance was a big part of the team’s win, but a lot more was needed. DeAndria L. hit a lead off home run in the 1st inning while senior Gisselle G. hit a two run double in the 3rd inning to take the lead. Junior Kim G. also hit a triple in the 7th inning to score 2 runs. Sophomore Kim K. and junior Cami V. had clutch defensive efforts in extra innings to close out the game for the Lady A’s. Junior Mo T. was responsible for the team’s winning run! Even the bench and family members in the stands played a role as they kept the noise level high and the field players motivated to win.

The Lady A’s also had another game on Tuesday, April 20th against Pacific Hills in a 14-4 victory. Coach Dura said the key to the team’s success is “sticking to the game plan” and staying “mentally ready regardless who the opponent is.” With victories like these, it is no surprise this team is the first team in HMSA history to be ranked in the top 10 teams for CIF Southern Section. Coach Dura contributes this success to the girls’ motivation to fight back from deficits and will to keep playing no matter what the score is. Several of the Lady A’s have agreed with this, saying there is a “sense of sisterhood that radiates from the team once you step on the field.”

Today, the Lady A’s are on the road for their 13th game of the season against Lennox. Their next game is on Tuesday, April 26th against Rolling Hills Prep. With only 18 total games in the season, the Lady A’s have little time left. Coach Dura and the Lady A’s hope to finish strong and live up to the expectations as one of the top 10 teams in the division. Come out and support the team, whether it be at their next game on Tuesday or their last regular season game on Thursday, May 5th against Rolling Hills Prep. Lady A’s fever, catch it! Gooooooo A’s, YOU KNOW!