An impressive 3-0 start for Lancers softball this season shows the promise of this year’s team, a lineup of ten seniors and three underclassmen take the field.

Following a 9-16 overall finish the previous year, the program looks to build on their roster while led by second-year head coach John Monise.

“We return seven starters, which six of them are seniors,” Monise said. “The experience of being in the Marmonte League and having girls which are college players bodes well for us having a successful season.”

Taking the field with the amount of experience and talent that the team carries this year, it is safe to say that the expectations are high for this season.

“I am definitely expecting us to make a push toward the league title and secure a playoff berth,” senior pitcher Shannon Haddad.

Securing a title in the heavily contested Marmonte League will not be easy though, with tough opponents such as Oaks Christian filling the schedule.

“Oaks Christian will be our toughest opponent,” Haddad said. “They are the defending league champions and their team is stacked with great pitching and hitting.”

The off-season was a large point of focus for the team, as they were looking for player development to remain one of their main strengths.

“We’ve stressed fundamentals, both in defense and hitting,” said Monise. “We have some girls that have played club that have continued to play in the off-season, and I, as a coach, feel like I’m more prepared.”

The Lancers have jumped out to an impressive start for this season though, with their current record sitting at 4-1. Many players have hit the ground running, such as junior Ella Kohler batting at .538 with eight runs and seven hits.

“We’ve started off 3-0, and we’re doing all things well right now” said Monise. “We’re hitting real well and we have timely hitting and we’re getting great pitching, and we’re also playing great defense.”

CIF banners are on the minds of the Lancers this season as they attempt to turn their beginning of the season momentum into a long-lasting stretch of great performance.

‘This is my second year as a head coach, and it’s been six years since we last made the playoffs,” said Monise. “My ultimate goal is to make the playoffs and do well in league.

Carrying 10 seniors on the team, six of which fill out the majority of the starting spots, the program sees this year as a great opportunity to cement themselves as a powerhouse team in the Marmonte League.