Softball squad ranked No. 23 by Rivals.com, set to play in Nike
invite
Just being able to compete in this week’s Nike Fastest to First Tournament in Huntington Beach is an honor unto itself.
With at least 11 of the nation’s top 50 softball teams present, a powerhouse tournament after your season-opener may be the perfect way to jumpstart the San Benito Lady ‘Balers, which are coming off back-to-back Central Coast Section titles.
After going 32-3 last season, and finishing at the No. 50 spot of Rivals.com’s top 50 softball teams in the nation, the Lady ‘Balers will start their 2008 campaign as the 23rd-ranked team in the country.
To kick off the Nike invite, San Benito will play Norco, which went 26-6 last season and is ranked No. 16 this year, according to Rivals.com.
“It’s nice. We’ve worked hard for it,” manager Scott Smith said. “I think once we get going, we’re gonna be as good, if not better, than last year.”
With winter sports officially ending last week, San Benito is finally gearing up for the upcoming season with a full squad.
And not a moment too soon.
The Lady ‘Balers have had two scrimmages to date against Valley Christian and Notre Dame of Belmont. They’ll officially open their regular season today at home to Burlingame.
With a record of 61-6 over the last two years, Smith is certainly not seeking any complacency among his players.
Perhaps using the underdog role in seasons past, there won’t be too many teams this season unsuspecting of the Lady ‘Balers.
“All of a sudden, you get noticed,” Smith said. “To get to the top is pretty hard, but to stay on top is even harder.”
