The cheering crowd and the fall breeze flutter in the air on October 13, 2018. It is an unforgettable day for Monarch softball players. Losing the state championship game was a huge upset, and a shock to all. But this season, players are ensuring it won’t happen again. 

At the start of the season, the team is 10-0 with more to come. The junior class has continued to carry the team to victories including new transfer Maggie Vasa. All players are eager to better themselves and aren’t settling for “good”. 

“I hope to just work hard and better myself and my game all around,” junior Alexia Salamanca said. “Something important to me is my mental game, especially this season it is very necessary that I learn how to be tough and confident in my abilities.” 

With softball players working to improve their skills and not let history happen again, the intensity levels are higher than ever before.  

“The team has spent countless hours on and off the field to prepare ourselves for this moment so the past doesn’t repeat itself,” senior Clair Lieber said. 

But like any other team, the Monarchs have obstacles to overcome. 

“One of the biggest challenges for the team this year will be connecting all players regardless of age or common goal,” Salamanca said. “It is imperative that there is a mutual trust between everyone so that we are able to rely on each other in tough situations.” 

Despite these obstacles, the Monarchs are still striving for a state championship. The season for the Monarchs won’t disappoint. The Monarchs have defeated numerous teams with the closest score being 6-2 for the season. The girls’ hard work all summer and practices after school is slowly starting to pay off.