Defense is the key as SBHS looks for another strong season
Hollister – The San Benito High School softball team lost five of last year’s players to graduation and will be sporting a younger team this season than it has in years past. No matter though. The Balers are loaded with young talent and they’re still focusing on doing the things that the team has had success with in recent seasons.
That means defense, defense, defense. The Haybalers aren’t counting on blowing anyone out by 10 runs this year, although the possibility of a runaway win or two is certainly there. Rather, the Hollister team will be relying on its command of the game’s fundamentals as they attempt to better, or at least duplicate, last year’s second-place finish in the Tri-County Athletic League.
“Our strengths this year will be in our pitching and in our infield,” said Hollister head coach Scott Smith. “Our defense is going to be real strong. We’ll look to produce runs just like we did last year, we’ll play small ball, some hit and run, steal some bases.”
In order to make this style of play effective, The Balers will be relying heavily on the arm of Dani Hernandez, a four-year starter who can more than handle the rigors of pitching every game on the schedule. Hernandez posted an impressive record of 22-9 last season and is looking to improve on that mark in 2005.
Hernandez’s arm won’t be the only factor in keeping opponents off of the scoreboard this season. The Haybaler defense is stocked with athletes at every position. Right fielder Julie Broyer has made a name for herself with her ability to gun down potential baserunners on their way from the plate to first base. Also, offensive standout Kristen Archuletta continues to improve her defensive skills and will be moving from the outfield to short stop for this season.
While the focus of the team lies in playing strong defense, the Hollister squad will feature some talent on offense as well. In addition to Archuletta, who hit five triples and five doubles last season, Rachelle Barrientos, who hit over .380 last season, Julie Broyer and Megan Smith are all expected to contribute to the team’s run total. Also, JT Temperino, a three-sport athlete who is currently re-habbing a knee injury, is expected to be in the lineup soon.
“So far, everybody’s out here hustling,” Barrientos said. “But it’s all going to come down to how much we want it and how much we work at it.”
The Balers kick off the season on March 3with a 3:30pm game on the road in Watsonville.
