By Ed Piper
One of the real strengths of the 2025 Viking softball team is how they have improved as the season has gone on. In particular, sophomore Natalie "Nat" Alvarez has toned her velocity down from the pitching circle, and consequently seen her command increase. Also, the La Jolla defense, with some young players and others who have never played softball before, has honed its skills to cut down on errors in the field.
Said head coach Anthony Sarain before the Vikings' opening CIF playoff game Wed., May 21, "Hitting has been solid all season.
"Defense has improved tremendously. We have had a few games with no errors.
"Pitching keeps improving. We are peaking at the right time."
Alvarez, last year, struggled with walks. Opposing teams went around in circles, from base to base, as bases-on-balls piled up and games not infrequently were called after five innings on the eight-run rule.
This season, a more seasoned, more mature "Nat" has calmed her presence on the mound, gained further confidence, and hit the strike zone in catcher Aviv Laska's glove much more often.
Sarain said that the Vikings' surge toward the end of the regular season, qualifying for the playoffs, has been largely due to Alvarez's development as a hurler.
Poor Hoover, who also had its struggles, was decimated by La Jolla in both league games the two teams played this year.
The offense, as Sarain, the long-time coach, said, has always been strong this season. Jacey Taylor has evolved to be a powerful force in the fourth slot in the batting order, slugging numerous home runs. Savannah Putnam, batting leadoff, has had a good season. Senior captain Roxie Metcalf has continued her solid, consistent performance from her earlier seasons as she switched to third base and freshman Ella Pearl has moved into her former spot at shortstop.
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