As the softball team prepares for the second round of district play, it’s undefeated in district action. The girls ride a 10-game winning streak into the second meeting against Pasadena at home March 31.

The team consists of four freshmen who have all achieved starting positions and made key contributions.

For freshman Ava Tellez, who has started at catcher this season, adjusting between her travel softball team to competing on varsity has taken some time.

“I’m used to playing with kids my age, ” Tellez said. “During travel ball, everybody is at the same level but now I play against 18 year olds and they are fast. It is definitely an adjustment.”

Even with the change, Tellez is second on the team in home runs with five and tied for second for doubles with 10. She also leads the team in stolen bases with 28.

“Coach Greg has made the transition very easy,” Tellez said. 

For the first time in Lindsay Gregory’s coaching career, she has pulled up four freshmen to the starting lineup and is enjoying seeing the immediate impact the girls have brought.

Gregory has been impressed with the consistency the girls have maintained in their race for a district championship.

“They are very talented,” Gregory said. “They have gone from playing their age to playing girls who are close to play in college. I expected there to be a bigger learning curve but these girls have played outstanding.” 

Freshman Delilah Wright, who has started in fight field, has recorded 16 hits and 10 RBIs so far. She has found success in the outfield. 

For her, the biggest change from club to varsity is the change of play styles.

“It is a bunch of listening,” Wright said. “I have to understand both defenses and pay attention to calls.”

Besides the group of freshmen, the team consists of five juniors, four seniors and a sophomore who are all returning members of the varsity team.

With the majority of the team being two or three years older than her, Wright enjoys having other freshmen with her on this journey.

“I’m happy there are girls my age,” Wright said. “I can talk to them about anything and personal things.”

Other freshmen Hailie Messina and Trinity Brents have also had big impacts on the team. Messina is third on the team in batting average (.403) and tied for first in base hits. Brents has been pitching for the squad and leads the team with 59 strikeouts.

For Gregory, she sees a bright future in the group of girls for the next four years.

“I expect a lot from the group,” Gregory said. “I can see them winning many district championships and playoff wins.”