Posted on 11 March 2015 by La Habra Journal
By Jessica Custodio
La Habra Journal
Although starting at a slower pace this season, Sonora High School girls’ head softball coach Michelle Rodriguez is confidant that her team will succeed and bring something special to the table this current 2015 season.
Continued chemistry: Junior Shortstop Chelsea Purcell will help provide Lady Raiders Softball Team with leadership as they work to build off of last year’s successes and battle for a league title.
“We have a lot of chemistry and are a very talented team individually,” said Rodriguez. Rodriguez sees great potential with the team. She feels that every member on the team brings something great and fresh to the season; talent is brimming. “I want them to get better, minimize errors,” she said. “Offensively we’ve been doing a really good job, but there is always room for improvement. I think we have a really good start, but at the end of the day, my objective is to fine-tune everything because our goal is make CIF and to be a great competitor in our league. So we just need to practice the way we play.” Though the 19-girl team is great as a whole this season, there are a couple of key players who are bringing a new spark on the field. This season’s transfer student from La Serna High School is Madison Rodriguez. The junior left fielder has become a great asset to the team and earned a spot as the lead-off hitter. Also returning players including junior Chelsea Purcell, the shortstop, and senior Zoe Juarez also help bring the team up a notch. “We have a couple of players [who] are great assets on the team, but I could honestly name all of them,” said Rodriguez. “I can put one in and take one out, and it’s always great because I feel like we are very even everywhere. I am very fortunate that I am able to do that.” There have not been many changes from last season to this season, but Rodriguez tells her girls “you start how you finish” and she wants them to do their best every game. She wants them to progress and to live up to their full potential, and she hopes that while the season progresses, they will do that. “As long as they are able to stay with what they are able to do, then were going to be okay,” says Rodriguez. The Lady Raiders (2-3) will take some time to practice and get ready for the weekend’s Whittier tournament on Saturday, March 14.
“I am looking forward to being a part of something special with this team,” said Rodriquez. “Every season is unique… and I’m hoping our dream and goals come true.”