Even though it’s her first year on the varsity team, junior Nicole Bonino feels comfortable in the circle. When asked if she has a go-to pitch to get an out, she said, “I like all my pitches.” That is good news since Bonino will be one of the pitchers Live Oak High relies on in its quest to contend for a Blossom Valley League Mount Hamilton Division championship.
The Acorns finished 10-4 in the A league last year, and fourth-year coach Sara Porras is optimistic this year’s team can approach or even better that mark this season.
“It’ll be a fun and exciting year,” she said. “There’s so much (softball) talent in Morgan Hill it’s crazy.”
Porras is banking on some of that talent developing into bona-fide standouts this season. Junior Sammy Evans will also see time in the circle, and Porras hopes Bonino and Evans develop into a strong combination.
“They are both talented, both promising and can play the outfield as well,” Porras said. “They’ve shown they have the attitude they can get the job done, which is a great mentality to have as pitchers.”
Bonino tops out in the mid-50 mph range, but she’s also adept at throwing off-speed pitches for strikes. Evans’ off-speed pitches are the key to her success.
“Sammy will be able to throw hitters off a bit,” Porras said.
Live Oak has the potential to bash the ball, starting with catcher/third baseman Kelli St. Clair, who has done an excellent job of hitting the last couple of years.
“Kelli hits the ball super strong and is going to have a lot of RBIs and hopefully a lot of home runs,” Porras said. “She is a big-time slugger.”
Junior Ashley Church, a first baseman/catcher, will be relied upon to consistently drive in runs.
“I’m really excited to see her after she came up to the varsity for the CCS playoffs last year,” Porras said.
The Acorns only have a couple of returning starters from last year’s team. In most cases, that is not a good sign. However, Porras said she’s confident all of the incoming newcomers will progress with each passing week. Since it’s early in the season, Porras said players are still competing to lock down positions.
“For the most part our lineup is based on who’s hitting,” she said. “Everyone on the team is super talented, but we need players who are going to come through in the clutch and prove themselves to earn that spot in the lineup.”
One of the few returning starters include outfielder Mikahaele Sakamoto, a senior who possesses tremendous speed and can reach base in a variety of ways.
“Mikahaele is fast and aggressive on the bases,” Porras said. “She can hit the longball, but is also someone who can drop down a bunt and beat it out.”
Infielders Sydney Bell, Michelle Corona and Bella Anglikowski are expected to make an impact with their defense, speed and, if Porras gets her wish, hitting.
“We have a lot of talent in our middle infield,” Porras said. “Players will duke it out for positions through their hitting.”
Bonino said she’s been impressed in practice with Anglikowski, Evans and Bell, who had been recovering from an injury.
“Sydney is doing great, and it’s exciting to see what’s in store for us this season,” Bonino said. “Our team goal is to win league, and if we don’t, as long as we bond well and come together as a team, that is success.”
