Varsity softball ends on a positive note

The CVHS varsity softball team celebrated their seniors on senior night against Bishop O’Dowd as they lost the game 11-1 on May 3. Despite the loss, the athletes still looked back fondly on the rocky season.

“Reflecting back on the season, we did the best out of our situation. We gave it our all and put up a fight in every game,” said senior Jesymae Olympia. Olympia played as a pitcher for the majority of the game and was switched out with senior Katella Lazaro for the last inning.

“Honestly, this season’s been insane,” Lazaro said. “Definitely not the way we expected it to go. But honestly, it’s made the season a lot more fun. A lot different than how I thought my senior year would be but I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way and I love this team and all the girls.”

“Regarding the game, we held O’Dowd down as much as we could but unfortunately, we couldn’t put enough runs on the board and O’Dowd took advantage of it,” Olympia said. O’Dowd had been on a winning streak, even being first in the league. After the loss, however, they played the Dragons again the following week for playoffs. 

“We face O’Dowd again,” coach Nicole Manley said. “Hopefully we can get the dub on them next week.”

The team ended up winning with a score of 6-1. The big upset let the team continue onto WACC championships. The win at the end of the season was very uplifting for the team, especially the seniors who thought their playoff game would be the last time they all played a game together. “We overcame a lot of obstacles we didn’t foresee and this group, we’ve fought through every single opportunity we were given,” said Manley. 

“This season didn’t go as we thought, of course,” said senior Ava Thomas. “But still getting to play with people I’ve played with since I was nine — I started this with this class, the seniors, and getting to finish my career with them is so fulfilling for me,” she said.

Another senior, Hanna Losinski, played as the team’s catcher. “I would like to say I’m so thankful for my time in the program and I have learned so much and made so many friends. I wouldn’t trade my team for anything; they are the best people I could ask for,” Losinski said.

“We may not have won the most games but I still had fun and think we have a good dynamic with all the girls,” said senior Annabelle Everson. “I think next year will be better for the team and I’m excited for them.”

Senior Jaidyn Torres was one of the team leaders in their playoff game against the Dragons and played as their resident first baseman. “Regardless of our record this season, I still had the most fun I’ve had playing high school softball this year out of my entire time in the program,” Torres said. “I’m proud of all we accomplished even with the adversity we faced and I’m going to miss competing with this team when it’s over.”