St. Anthony softball might have the most talented roster in Long Beach, and coach Brian McCalip said his team is deeper than the squad that won the CIF title two years ago.
“If the girls come together like I think they will, they can win the whole thing again,” McCalip said.
St. Anthony’s incredibly talented junior class, who won the title as freshmen, will be joined by a freshman class that includes six elite travel ball players. Freshman pitcher Rose Cano won her first start in the circle while hitting two home runs at the plate in her first two high school at bats.
Junior first baseman Jaedene Kapu is verbally committed to attend San Diego University, junior third baseman Thessa Malau’ulu is headed to UCLA and shortstop Zaida Puni and second baseman Tiare Jennings are both going to the University of Oklahoma together.
St. Anthony will also rely on junior pitcher Brooke Townsend and freshman pitcher Jayla Cadena in the circle. Townsend will also play in the outfield where freshman Sammie Dodge is looking to make a name for herself as well. Sophomore Maleah Morales is back behind the place with Amiee Metz.
The Saints have a tough nonleague schedule that includes a trip to the Bishop Gorman Tournament in March, and will join the difficult Del Rey League this season with St. Joseph, Bishop Amat, La Salle and St. Paul. However, St. Anthony is back in Division 4 where McCalip thinks his squad can do some damage.
