Is a division crown in Sobrato’s future?
MORGAN HILL — The view from the top is certainly different for the Sobrato softball team.
The program that played the part of Blossom Valley Athletic League-Santa Teresa Division patsy in 2007 and spoiler in 2008 enters the 2009 season with another new, uncharted identity: contender.
The Santa Teresa moved last year’s champion, Oak Grove, up to the Mount Hamilton Division and welcomed 2008 West Valley Division champion Willow Glen. For the most part, though, the Santa Teresa remains intact.
Ready or not, here come the Lady Bulldogs.
Sobrato returns five starters from a team that recorded the first winning season (15-11 overall, 9-5 BVAL) in program history, including 2008 division Sophomore of the Year, Frankie Kellett, first-team all-league sophomore Nicole Larson and second-teamers Danielle Clampett and Sarina Santiago.
“We only lost two girls last year, and the ones we have coming back are really good. So, on paper, we look pretty strong,” second-year coach Bob Clampett, father of Danielle and teammate Courtney Clampett, said. “We’re an even better team than last year. I think the expectation definitely has to be to contend for first place in league.”
The players aren’t taking anything for granted. They caught fire last year, but admit they peaked too early.
“By the time we started playing tougher teams in league, we had nothing left,” sophomore Allison Stoner said. “We found out how to win games. Now we just need to make it last.”
Bob Clampett said the team’s success will weigh heavily on his corps of veterans, who can play multiple positions.
“I think, this year, we have more players who are contributing to the team rather than the individual,” Bob Clampett said. “That strong nucleus of seven players is going to carry the team.”
Bob Clampett can play all of them at once.
Danielle Clampett, a .403 hitter and seven-game winner in 2008, will shoulder most of the pitching with Courtney Clampett, a freshman who also will see time at first base and right field.
“They both have a lot of talent,” said Kellett, a junior catcher. “Their only difference is what arm they throw with. Danielle is a lefty; Courtney’s a righty.”
Fresh off her breakout freshman season — .478 batting, 16 RBIs, five triples, three home runs — Larson will handle shortstop and second base, switching with Santiago. Larson can even play catcher.
“She can play any position,” Bob Clampett said. “I think she’s going to have a really good year.”
Stoner will play the corners, and Kristi Amundson and Kaley Lefore will anchor the outfield.
Sobrato’s rookie class of freshmen Katie Machado, Samantha Ribeiro, Courtney Clampett and junior exchange student Lisa Fischer is just as versatile.
“The young girls are coming along,” Larson said.
The Bulldogs have experience on their side in 2009, but winning the Santa Teresa and reaching the CIF-Central Coast Section playoffs are both up for grabs. Sobrato finished a few points from claiming its first playoff berth last season. With that in mind, the Bulldogs put together a strong nonleague schedule that includes several ‘A’-level programs.
Sobrato opened with losses to San Lorenzo and Half Moon Bay, but came back Saturday with a 5-4 win over Oak Grove.
“We look pretty strong so far,” Danielle Clampett said. “There are a lot of tough teams in our division this year, but we’re going to be more prepared for them.”
The Bulldogs’ biggest strength might be unity, an element some of the current players said they lacked in 2008.
“We know we can win together,” Stoner said. “I hope this is our year.”
