The Wilson Bruins are coming off a CIF-SS Division 3 semifinal appearance, and are excited to incorporate versatile freshmen Kaden Marsee, Juliana Babore and Caitlyn Almquist into an experienced team with good leaders.
“I feel like I have to be more of a leader on the field,” senior Sinclair Lawhorn (pictured) said. “If I strike out or something, I have to keep my head up and be a good role model and example for the rest of the girls.”
Since first baseman Lawhorn is the only returning senior starter, coach George Molina knows he needs the big strong junior class to step up and lead by example.
“We need everyone to get along, care about their teammates, work hard, and come together to make (success) possible,” Molina said.
Lawhorn and junior shortstop Sydney Freijanes are both team captains. Lawhorn had a team-high .505 batting average, 34 runs scored and 13 doubles. Freijanes was second on the team with 41 hits. Both were named First-Team All-Moore League.
The other returning First-Team All-Moore Leaguer is junior pitcher Hailey Houston. She struck out 166 batters in 151 innings last year in her second season as the ace. Houston has 218 strikeouts in the last two years.
Junior center fielder Ava Trachta and junior Isabel Orduno make the Bruins defense up the middle very strong if freshmen Juliana Babore and Caitlyn Almquist are able to step up and play catcher.
Sophomore third baseman Leah Pettway is back after a breakout year. She hit .400 as a freshman with 28 RBIs and 13 extra base hits.
“I like the new freshmen and I feel pretty good with how we’re playing,” Lawhorn said.
Wilson finished third in league last year, and has been moved up to Division 2 this season because of its postseason success.
