San Benito will look to make it 4 straight CCS titles despite
losing eight seniors
Seniors Marisa Ibarra and JC Clayton are both signed, sealed and
delivered and on their way to college next year on softball
scholarships to San Francisco State University and BYU,
respectively.
And if you think that won’t help on the field, you’re kidding
yourself.
San Benito will look to make it 4 straight CCS titles despite losing eight seniors
Seniors Marisa Ibarra and JC Clayton are both signed, sealed and delivered and on their way to college next year on softball scholarships to San Francisco State University and BYU, respectively.
And if you think that won’t help on the field, you’re kidding yourself.
“I feel like I’m doing better than last year. I feel more confident than last year, in myself,” said Ibarra, who’s already 5-0 and thrown two no-hitters this season. “I think I’m a little more relaxed now that I’m signed. I wouldn’t say it’s easier, but I would say it’s less stressful.”
Every little bit helps.
“It’s so amazing,” said Clayton, short and sweet
Despite losing eight seniors to graduation last year, the three-time defending Central Coast Section champion Lady ‘Balers seem poised for another title run. San Benito manager Scott Smith says they won’t be able to replace players like Elena Fata, Lizzy Gatto and Rachel Maheu, but a new crop of talent is already finding its foothold in Lady ‘Baler softball.
“Potentially, we have a chance to be a stronger hitting team than we were last year,” Smith said. “Marisa (Ibarra) looks like she’s pitching better this year than she was last year, and all in all, we’ll be pretty close to the same team as last year, talent wise.”
And last year is certainly a fine year to replicate. Compiling a 28-4 record, San Benito marched to their third straight section title by outscoring three different opponents by a 21-5 margin, including Gilroy 8-3 in the CCS final.
“We’re young, but I think we’re right in there with the (previous) three years,” said Clayton, a four-year varsity member. “We are younger, but we still have as much talent as we’ve had in the past.”
And Smith feels they have more depth. The second baseman Clayton and shortstop Jessica Vest, a sophomore who made a verbal commitment to Oklahoma in the offseason, can fill in for each other when need be.
Meanwhile, Marissa Moisa and Bre Fata both bring a distinctive game to third base, while Jessica Steigleman and Nicole Rianda will cover the grounds near first.
Rianda could also be seen behind the plate along with freshman Marissa Adame, while the outfield is chock full of talent, including Mari Vallejo, Brittany Hoff and Taylor Powell, not to mention both Stiegleman and Fata.
“It gives us a lot of flexibility,” said Smith, which will come in handy once the Tri-County Athletic League season opens on Tuesday at Salinas.
The Cowboys should be in the discussion this year in the TCAL, a league that is more balanced this season than it has been in recent years, with North Salinas, Gilroy, Notre Dame and San Benito all gunning for the top spot
And despite what the preseason had to offer, more specifically what the Annie Lynch Memorial Circle of Champions tournament had to showcase, it still seems too early to list the frontrunners in the TCAL, too early to tell, although San Benito and Notre Dame appear to be neck-and-neck.
Although Ibarra tossed a no-hitter against Gilroy last Saturday at the Salinas tournament en route to an 8-0 win, the Mustangs did not pitch their ace, Sarah Lira. Meanwhile, in San Benito’s following game against Notre Dame, the Spirits edged the Lady ‘Balers 4-3 behind strong pitching from Shanae Gasperson and Hollister resident Sarah Solis, two of Notre Dame’s best hurlers (Kylie Linnane being the third).
However, for what it’s worth, Ibarra did not pitch against Notre Dame.
“But they showed us our weaknesses,” Clayton said. “They tested us … I think we’re pretty happy with what happened.”
A four-year varsity player, Ibarra boasts a high school record of 83-8. At 5-0 this year, she has yet to allow a run.
“I think they looked pretty good,” Ibarra said of Notre Dame. “We just have to play our game. As long as we play our game, we should be fine.”
Through six games this season – the Lady ‘Balers will open the Charlie Miguel Invitational today, Friday – San Benito has yet to have been tested, with the exception being Notre Dame. Upending Soquel (4-0), Westmont (9-0), Los Gatos (6-0) and Burlingame (5-0), the Lady ‘Balers are already off to a strong start heading into Tuesday’s league opener.
And they certainly wouldn’t mind another chance against Notre Dame.
“Notre Dame, always,” Clayton said. “It’s always Notre Dame.
“And I think we have a really good chance in league, especially with Marisa pitching.”
