By: Abby Coven

News Editor

With strong throws, flawless defense, and an impenetrable outfield, the LGHS Girls’ Varsity Softball Team is rounding the bases towards a triumphant season. The Cats are hoping to repeat last year’s results, where they went undefeated and placed first in the Santa Clara Valley De Anza League. During pre-season training, the players engaged in cardio exercises tailored to enhance softball skills. Together, they also went on weekly hikes on the Los Gatos Creek Trail to Novitiate Park. Before their season began, the team played two scrimmage games against San Lorenzo and Saratoga High Schools. 

The Varsity team captains this year are Grace Tucker and Sophia Krish, who, along with Head Coach Randy Frey, are dedicated to maintaining the team’s strength and strength collaboration. But the team would not be complete without the three other returning seniors  Olivia Sickels, Tessa Lillenstein, and Kylynne Cook.

The team kicked off the 2025-26 season with a big win over Scotts Valley High School in their first game, prevailing with a score of 11-1. The first home game was on Mar. 5 against the Ann Sobrato High School Bulldogs. To fire up before games, the team builds spirit with home game rituals like arriving early to apply eyeblack and styling their hair with braids and ribbons to add a fierce and fashionable touch. The Cats came away with a 3-2 victory in an exciting game that fired up the home crowd.

Sickels scored the opening run during the first inning. The Cats had the upper hand until the top of the third inning when Sobrato made it over the home plate for two runs. To seal the third out, catcher Ava Norquist made an incredible diving catch on a bunt before it hit the ground. In the fourth inning, juniors Danica DeSantis and Cate Zeman hit forceful balls to the outfield, but the inning ended with no points. The bases were loaded at the bottom of the sixth, and junior Meredith Harris, running for Norquist, earned a run to tie the game. At the top of the seventh and final inning, Sobrato was at bat with one out and a player on third base. The Cats then made a thrilling double play with catcher Haley Betti throwing to first base, and, before the runner from second could tag the plate, the first baseman threw the ball back to Betti in time. When the Cats next got up to bat, Tucker got on base, and Norquist hit a powerful grounder to left field, enabling Tucker to get the last run and win the game.

With a 2-0 record, the varsity team is already starting its season off strong. Next on the agenda for the Girls’ Varsity Softball Team is a tournament in Watsonville. They encourage LGHS students and the community to come watch how their undoubtedly exciting season will unfold.