After moving up to the De Anza division, the Palo Alto High School girls’ softball team is optimistic about the season ahead.
Along with returning and new players, softball coach Tim Anderson joined the team this year. Anderson has been a high school softball coach for 10 years before coming to Paly.
“I think he’s really good,” Jenks said. “He wants to win.”
By focusing on developing the team’s offense, Anderson aims for high goals for this season.
“I’m really excited for our chances and we’re hoping to compete for a league title,” Anderson said.
Two years ago, the girls’ varsity softball team won the El Camino division, thus allowing the team to move up to the De Anza division, the highest league for girls’ softball.
“It should be interesting because it’s our first season in the De Anza division, so I think the game will be a lot more competitive,” senior pitcher Kelly Jenks said.
The team has been practicing its offense by hitting whiffle balls, working on the tee’s, and doing work on their new batting machine.
“To prepare for this season in particular, we have been really pushing ourselves because we want to prove to other teams that we deserve to be in this league,” sophomore outfielder Emily Swanson said.
The increased offense practice and the chemistry between the players make them a stronger team to compensate with the players who graduated last year and left the team, according to senior shortstop Lauren Bucolo.
“Losing players can be tough for some teams, but I think we have a lot of good players who can make up for who we lost,” Bucolo said.
According to Anderson, Jenks is the player to watch, due to her strong performance.
“She’s a great pitcher and she’s going to Santa Clara University on a soccer scholarship, but she’s good enough to play softball at the next level as well,” Anderson said.
The team holds a good promise of victory, according to the newcomer of the team, freshman outfielder and infielder Maya Pedilla.
“I’m expecting to learn a lot, and I’m expecting to win,” Pedilla said. “We have a great team.”
The Vikings will play their next game at 3:30 p.m. on March 11 at Terra Nova High School.