The562’s season previews for the 2022-23 school year are sponsored by Vertical Raise, the official team fundraising partner of The562.
The562’s high school softball coverage for the 2023 season is sponsored by Long Beach City Councilwoman Megan Kerr.
The562’s coverage of Jordan Athletics is sponsored by John Ross, Class of 2013.
There’s a famous sports quote that says, “You’re either getting better or getting worse and there’s no staying the same.”
Jordan softball is trying to stay on the improving path under third-year coach Santiago Morales, who has to replace eight seniors and five starters from last season.
“I feel like we’ve improved a lot from last year,” Jordan junior Katelyn Garcia said. “We’re better at managing ourselves and not getting too frustrated if we lose and not putting the blame on others. The girls who have been here since freshman year are the ones who need to make us improve. The juniors and seniors have to make it better for the newcomers.”
Since the continuous construction at Jordan has taken away the softball field, the Panthers still have to travel off main campus to the smaller offsite Jordan High field for practice and games. Morales said his team doesn’t mind having to overcome that adversity, and he wants them to take that attitude into the season.
“All we can do is go up,” he said. “As long as I don’t give up on them and they don’t give up on themselves we’re going to get better. Do I think we’re going to beat the Millikans of the Lakewoods? No. But we’re going to sure give them as much as we can.”
Like most of her fellow upperclassmen, Garcia will play multiple positions including pitcher. She is still learning the position but Morales has seen quick improvement from her in the circle.
“When she came here she had just played in a slow pitch league and she’s really developed into the game,” Morales said. “I wish I had eleven players like her. She’s that way athletically and adapts to the game really quickly. She’s a team captain and that says a lot. She’s just a gamer all the time.”
“For me, the key to pitching is having a good mindset,” Garcia said. “When I overthink the pitch it doesn’t come out right.”
Senior Hazel Rodriguez, who has been with the program all four years, will be taking over duties at third base primarily. Junior Brianna Lucio will also be a team leader at shortstop and first base while freshmen Amberly Reyes, Josselin Alvarenga and Deana Lizarraga will try to add speed to the lineup while getting quality game experience.
“I’m hoping we can rely on our bats and our speed,” Morales said.
Projected Starting Lineup:
P – Katelyn Garcia
P – Nathaly Zarazu
C – Josselin Alvarenga
INF – Hazel Rodriguez
INF – Amberly Reyes
INF – Citlally Montes
INF – Brianna Lucio
OF – Jennifer Cardenas
OF – Alyssa Guzman
OF – Deana Lizarraga
