by Jay Aguila
Staff Writer
The University of La Verne softball team pulled off another win on Sunday in a double header against Cal State Hayward.
Having lost the first game, 2-1, the Leopards came back from a 4-0 deficit to win the second game, 5-4. “Game two got off to a tough start, but we showed a lot of heart and came back to win,” head coach Robin Haaker said.
Freshman Mary Olsen pitched a strong game and held CS Hayward to zero runs from the third inning on.
In the bottom of the seventh, the game was tied at 4. Elaine Martinez started off with a double, Amber Guerra bunted her to third and A.J. Taggart scored her on a game winning base hit.
The Leopards have many obstacles to overcome, but Robin Haaker has confidence in her team.
“I have a very positive outlook on the season. The team has put in a lot of effort during the preseason and during the month of January to prepare for our first games. Now it is time to get it done!” Haaker said.
Haaker, first season head coach, said, “The transition from assistant coach to head coach has been very challenging at times and extremely rewarding.” Haaker was an assistant coach for two years under former head coach Julie Kline.
In addition to their practices, the ladies also see a positive influence when they work out with strength and conditioning coach Matt Durant.
“Working out with Matt was a big addition for us, we are in better condition than we were last year,” Elaine Martinez said.
The team is young but has many key returners, like sophomore Jessica DeGiacomo, starting shortstop.
“She has incredible drive and will do whatever it takes to be better,” Haaker said.
Other key returners include junior Amber Guerra, a catcher and outfielder is sharing duties with AJ Taggart and third baseman Kelley Silagyi.
“She is always willing to lend a helping hand to teammates and keep up the morale,” Haaker said.
“Each person brings a different little factor that is going to help us in the end,” DeGiacomo said.
Like every year with new faces on the team, the new class is a reason the outlook for the regular season is positive.
Sophomore Amanda Jones, has returned to the program after a year off and will be seeing time in center field and on the mound.
A key newcomer is Suzy Riker who comes from Pomona Catholic High School.
“She has great range at second base and potential to be a strong hitter,” Haaker said.
Team chemistry is also a key component in this year’s team.
“It’s really refreshing to have a group of girls that are bonding together and just really wanting to win and willing to work and get dirty every practice,” Martinez said.
The Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference has no ranking so it is tough to determine how difficult the season will be, Haaker said.
“The SCIAC conference has definitely become stronger which will prepare us for other regional and national games,” Haaker said.
The team has also been invited to play in the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Leadoff Classic in La Grange, Ga. It is a tournament by invite only and has the top teams from each region. In addition to that they have also been invited to the Sun West Tournament in Orange, which they play in every year, and which brings in top competition from across the country.
The Leopards are looking forward to the season ahead and have the talent and drive to accomplish their main goal: winning league.
The team’s record is 2-4 overall. The Leopards’ next game is at 3 p.m. today at Wheeler Park against Whittier. They will also face the Poets in a doubleheader tomorrow in Whittier.
Jay Aguila
