Currently ranked first in the Central Coast Section (CCS), eighth in the state, and 23rd in the country, our Girls’ Softball Team is dominating their season with a record of 7-0 overall and 2-0 within the West Catholic Athletic League. After ending their 2023–2024 season almost undefeated and CCS Champions, the team hopes to have another historic season in the books.
In order to be a competitive team, the team must make the most out of every practice. A typical practice starts with stretching as a team and then splitting off into different hitting stations. Then, the team has separate infielder and outfielder defensive drills, followed by team defense at the end. Ava Bulanti (’25) notes that her favorite part is “team defense because it incorporates every player on the team and is the closest we get to imitating real game situations.” Alexis Fisher (’25) adds that she loves “how each day I’m getting better with these practices,” which is essential to future success and consistency.
With a maxed-out roster of 18 players and a fairly young team with many new girls, the team has been focusing on working out their different playing styles together and building team chemistry. Bulanti and other returners have been setting a good example to ensure that the team is all on the same page. She writes that “this mean[s] hustle (on and off the field), chatter on the field (talking between plays, cheering on the pitcher), and effort in everything we do.” Fisher adds that “competing against yourself to do great” is the most important motivator. “Each game of course is a competition, but we train hard to make sure we can compete better than every team out there.”
The softball team also prides itself on an inclusive and encouraging environment. Bulanti notes, “Our team culture, even in past years, has been clearly modeled in our practices and games. We cheer each other on, and make sure we all feel comfortable enough to be and play our best.”
Additionally, there are numerous traditions that help promote a positive team culture. These traditions include prayer before games, team circles in between innings, and ribbons in every player’s hair for gameday. Bulanti emphasises that “traditions are the best part about playing at Saint Francis. There is no other place like it. We play music in the locker room, work hard to get the perfect game day hair, and show-off a ‘T-pose’ on second base after hitting a double. All together, they form some of the best memories that we get to leave Saint Francis with.”
With a strong sense of Lancer pride and a sensationally talented roster, there is endless success ahead for this team. Come and support the Lancers on Legacy Field at their next home game against Sacred Heart Cathedral on April 9!
I wanted to take this opportunity to thank all of my readers over the past 4 years, it has truly been an amazing experience to write for The Lancer. Although this is my last Diving Deeper column at Saint Francis, I hope reading about the experiences of various sports teams on campus has helped bring more insight about our student athletes’ experiences.
