Poly has a good mix of returning seniors and talented newcomers this season with four-year varsity starters Maddy Demos, Alexis Durand and Deja Williams leading the way. Demos will take her defensive skills to shortstop this season, while Durand returns at catcher and Williams returns to the outfield.
Second-year coach Elizabeth Sanches-Martin also will count on a handful of underclassmen to contribute this season. Isabella Alonso is a starting pitcher and middle of the lineup hitter with travel ball experience, Kristianah Villegas is a utility player with a strong bat, and Vanessa Correa is a potential leadoff hitter at second base.
“We have the heart, the dedication, and the desire to succeed this season,” Sanches-Martin said. “Everything we do and achieve is because of the character my girls possess and the fight in their hearts.”
Junior outfielder Mari Shinozaki will be a key returner in the outfield, and senior Lucia Sato will be an important leader in the infield. Senior Starlynn Ramirez will also be a utility infielder who will move around to keep her consistent bat in the lineup.
Williams is coming from the girls’ basketball team where she helped the Jackrabbits go deep in the playoffs again this month. She is committed to Cal State Northridge where she’ll continue her basketball career.
