San Benito softball looks primed to defend CCS title; team
returns all but three seniors and has young core
Hollister – With its first-ever Central Coast Section championship, the San Benito softball team has done more than put itself on the sport’s map. The Lady ‘Balers have laid the foundation for what has the potential to become a dynasty.
After breaking all of the major team records as its dream season continued all the way to a 1-0 victory over Watsonville in the title game last Saturday, San Benito looks primed to stay atop the perch for years to come. Losing just three seniors from their championship roster, the ‘Balers will take the field in 2007 with the dynamite combination of proven talent and a youthful core that should be even better in the coming years.
While first baseman Ari Romero, second baseman Kristen Archuleta and pitcher Sam Felice will be sorely missed, it is a rare day when a championship team returns eight of its top-10 players, plus almost its entire bench.
“I think we’re pretty loaded,” said junior Jordan Lee, who looks to move into the starting lineup next season after playing a utility role this year. “The three seniors are a big help. We can’t replace ’em, but next year we’re just going to do the same thing. I really do see (a title) happening many years in a row.”
Lee’s enthusiasm is grounded in the fact that many of the ‘Balers’ key contributors were freshmen and sophomores this season. Pitcher Marisa Ibarra has to be considered the bedrock of the program. With a sterling record of 27-2 in her freshman season and six consecutive shutouts to finish the year, the ‘Balers’ young ace is poised to force opposing coaches to gameplan around her for years to come.
Returning left fielder Audra Brown couldn’t believe how successful Ibarra was as a freshman.
“She blew my mind this year,” the junior said. “That’s the easiest way to say it. Absolutely blew my mind.”
Sophomore Elena Fata solidified the infield defense after a mid-season switch to shortstop and was the sparkplug at the top of the ‘Balers’ batting order. Fata combined with another sophomore, center fielder Rachel Maheu, to mount the CCS-winning rally against Watsonville. After Maheu knocked a one-out double to left, Fata followed with a rip past shortstop that drove in the only run San Benito needed.
In the aftermath of the championship celebration, Fata spoke of the impact of winning the title perhaps a year before even the team itself thought possible.
“We’re young this year,” Fata said. “We didn’t expect to go this far at all. This just gives us tremendous confidence because we know we can do this the next 2-3 years.”
The list of returning starters also includes freshman third baseman Jacqueline Clayton, sophomore sluggers Lindsey Clay and Lizzy Gatto, and junior catcher Ashley Perreira.
Head coach Scott Smith said returning most of the team’s core was a tantalizing thought, but cautioned that the ‘Balers enjoyed an unusual cohesiveness this season.
“I’d be crazy to say I’d not be thrilled to see that many coming back … but I’m realistic enough to know you never know what to expect with high school players,” Smith said. “It definitely looks good for the future. It’s just a matter of hoping the chemistry stays like it was this year.”
The ‘Balers’ coach said replacing Romero, an invaluable contributor with both her outstanding defense and leadership skills, poses the largest challenge as the team strives to defend its title.
“She was the glue that held the whole team together,” Smith said.
Smith also noted Lee (“She’s going to be a big asset”) and freshman left-hander Mary Hernandez as Lady ‘Balers who will play large roles as San Benito moves forward.
The ‘Balers’ head coach and his assistant, Mike Maheu, both spoke of reaping the benefits of players’ development through the Hollister Heat system.
“The Heat organization deserves a lot of credit for the talent we have up here at the high school,” Maheu said.
Added Smith: “As long as that continues, I think we’re going to be a force to be reckoned with. I think we’re going to get some more solid players. We’re going to be pretty tough again.”
While the magical ride of the team’s first championship can never be duplicated – and equaling the school-record 29 victories will be a stiff challenge – the Lady ‘Balers may enjoy their reign well into the future.
