It seems like just yesterday that the Lady As’ softball team began practices. However, it’s surprising to say that the team began practicing nearly 3 months ago. The girls played their final regular season game on Thursday, May 5th against Rolling Hills Prep. Despite losing that game, the team still finished with the #2 seed for a spot in the Division 7 playoffs with a record of 14 wins, 7 losses, and 1 tie. This is actually the team’s best season in school history as no other team has ever recorded 14 wins.

This season has definitely been one with devastating losses, but it has also been one with amazing victories. When I interviewed the team’s coach and players, many of them said their favorite memory of the season is beating Animo or beating Environmental Charter. Coach Dura also added on to say it was “very well-deserved payback to those two programs, who are long-time rivals.” Junior Daniela T. also said the team has “never cheered as loudly as it did” against Environmental Charter.

The regular season has come to an end, but the Lady As are only getting started. With the #2 seed in the playoffs, the team has no time to reflect on its flaws in the regular season. However, there is only so much you can do at this point. When I asked Coach Dura what he was doing with the girls to get ready for the playoffs, he told me, “Preparation at this point is working on the mental aspects of the game; refining team building, leadership, responsibility, cooperation, mental toughness and mental preparation skills. On the practice field, we will emphasize problem areas from past games, lessons learned and working on fundamental skills with individuals to strengthen skill sets and get them to work more as a team.” Players Daniela T., Camilla V., Awele A., and Julissa T. all gave me answers relating to their mental game. They believe the key is to be confident and to not become discouraged no matter what the situation or environment is like.

With the arrival of the postseason, the Lady As are preparing for the end of softball for the academic school year. However, the senior Lady As are preparing for the end of softball for their high school careers. The team only features 3 seniors: Gisselle G., Samantha G., and Laura M. Coach Dura expressed his feelings about the girls when he told me “they’re great kids.” Although Samantha G. and Laura M. only joined this year, Coach Dura is still glad they joined as they “became impact players right away.” He also expressed his feelings about Gisselle G, who played on the team for all four years: “It has been a joy watching her mature and develop not only as a player, but as a person over the past four years.”
The Lady As had one very interesting season. With the departure of 7 seniors from last year’s roster, Coach Dura was left with 7 starting positions to fill. Fortunately, junior varsity players stepped up for the team and performed tremendously. The team went on to have the best season in school history. However, the season is not over. The girls must learn from their mistakes and strive for perfection in the postseason. But for now, let’s give them one last cheer: Lady A’s fever, catch it! Gooooooo A’s, YOU KNOW!!