Softball wins first CIF game of season

On Thurs. May 18, Samo won their first CIF game against St. Paul High School, ending with a score of 7-2.  This win continues their undefeated streak, and brings them closer to the championships.  “We have a lot of good senior leadership right now and I think that helps out. [It] helps the girls know what to say and how to keep cool under pressure, so I think that experience really helps.”Samo started out strong, gaining five runs in the beginning. The team faltered to St. Paul in the middle, with the latter scoring twice. Samo still closed strong with another two runs at the end. Coach Kalie Nakao (’11) thought the loss of momentum in the middle was due to the other team getting into their rhythm and the gaining intensity of the game.“[Their] pitcher’s good. I think she settled down, she got in her rhythm [and] she was able to make some adjustments from the first inning,” Nakao said.Kenedee Jamerson (’17) believes that an error is is only an error and will not affect her to be a leader and drive to get a win. The team has the same state of mind as when the girls get tired, they have the same aggression and willingness to win.“We’re gonna have error free games for the rest of CIF and we’re gonna make it to the championship and we’re gonna get us another ring,” Jamerson said. “Playoffs is more of a mental game than physical,” Jamerson said.  “When we get there, we have to buckle down.  Half of us are like ‘Oh my gosh, we just finished all of this can we just be done’ and then the other half is like ‘Let’s push all the way until the end’.”