Softball Returns
After a long school year, the spring season is finally here and the softball team is eager to get back on the diamond. Last year, the Lodi high school softball team was able to make it to the semifinals of States and, as a result, they now have big expectations for the new season. When asking Coach Terhune what he will change based on the results of last season, he stated, “First of all, we can’t assume that because we made it that far last season, that we will automatically be there again. We have the potential, but we have to improve from last year. Many players had phenomenal seasons last year, but they can’t come back as the same players they were. We, as a team and individually, have to show improvement if we’re going to be successful.” The Lodi Rampage interviewed the team captains, Lila Reginald, Nicole Salvatore, Raven Figuccio, and Bryanna Bigica, to get a internal perspective on the season.
1. What are you expectations for this season?
Lila Reginald: I see us going far this year. I can see us making it past the state finals where we made it last year. I’m so excited to see what this year will bring but with us five seniors I know it’s going to be a fantastic year. We have a very young team behind us; we have brought up a couple of freshman to the varsity level because we know that they can help us and I can’t wait to see what they bring to the plate. I expect all these girls to learn something from this season and not just about softball. I hope I can teach them a leadership role and that hard work does pay off.
2.How did you prepare in the off-season ?
Nicole Salvatore: I played basketball this year which got me better prepared and definitely helped my base running. And during the off seasons, I had a hitting and catching lesson every Sunday.
3.How did the team prepare in the first few practices ?
Raven Figuccio: So far I’ve seen a lot of good things coming out of these practices. We have 5 strong, experienced seniors this season which helps tremendously with the underclassmen that will soon be the next varsity softball team. Along with that, the upcoming players have shown a lot of skill. Not only myself but I know the rest of the seniors have been very impressed with the effort shown by them. I truly believe we have an exciting season ahead of us and I know I’m not only speaking for myself when I say I cannot wait to get started.
4. How were the outcome of the series of scrimmages?
Bryanna Bigica: The first couple scrimmages of the season were against two pretty good teams, which were Becton and Ramapo. To our advantage, they went very well and I can’t wait to see what this season has in store for us.
5. Who are the seniors on the team and what are there roles this year ?
Kayla Oakley: We have five seniors this year, ranging from three year varsity starters to even four year starters, and we are all talented in our own way. I play second base, and alongside of me is Raven at first base, Lila at shortstop, Nikki behind the plate, and Bryanna throwing her best pitch. We probably have one of the strongest infields in our league and we will definitely use it to our advantage! Go Lady Rams!
6.What is your overall goal to accomplish with the team this year?
Coach Terhune: Well, after last year’s success, we would like to finish the job. We made it to the state sectional final, but lost. With so many skilled players back this season who played in that game, we want to return to the finals and win. But we understand that nothing is a given — there are no guarantees in sports — and that we can take nothing for granted, so we’ve been working harder than ever this season.
The Lodi softball team have been working hard in their practices for the season. Good luck to the girls on their first game on April 3 against Mary Help of Christians.
