Softball thrashes Lawndale to extend home winning streak

The Samo girls’ softball team extended their winning streak of 122 home games, according to Alexis Carter (’16), after beating Lawndale High School 21-0 on Thursday, April 15. This improves their Ocean League record to 2-0, after winning at Hawthorne earlier in the week. The Vikings came off to a strong start as starting pitcher Marissa Munoz (’18) striked out Lawndale’s first three batters and quickly put Samo at bat. Before the end of the first inning, Samo established a comfortable lead of 3-0 as each girl was able to get on base. From then on, the game was set with fastballs thrown by Munoz and impressive batting hits from the Vikings. “My first pitches helped the team start out great,” Munoz said. “I think my whole team played the game out well. All our practice through training paid off and this game against Lawndale is hopefully a sign for the upcoming season to be successful.” With two players on bases at the end of the first inning, Makensey Druckman (’17) stepped up to the plate and gave Samo the early lead with her home run as she sent the other two Vikings and herself home for a total of three points.“Makensey did a really well in her hitting every time she came up,” Munoz said. “Besides that,  I think everyone did their jobs to contribute to our win.”Samo has established themselves as a powerful threat this year as they are coming off of a CIF championship in 2014 and a run all the way to the quarterfinals last season. Coach and Samo alum Kalie Nakao (’11) is the new coach of the softball team after former coach Debbie Skaggs stepped down after last season’s conclusion. With her knowledge, Nakao is determined to train the girls for an undefeated season in league. Winning their first home game instilled many more goals for the girls to accomplish as a team and individually, according to Nakao. “The girls really did great in this game [against] Lawndale,” Nakao said. “We practiced several times during games outside of home and so far, we are undefeated. Let’s keep it that way.”The girls hope to end the Ocean League season as undefeated by taking one game at a time and not to underestimate any future opponents. They will continue fighting and training to prepare for their upcoming games.