Softball off to Fast Start

Perhaps no team at Palisades High has exceeded expectations more this spring than the varsity softball squad, which entered Wednesday’s game at Fairfax with a 8-1 record and one game out of first place in the Western League. The Dolphins are off to their best start in 10 years and a big reason why has been the work ethic and enthusiasm first-year coach Jose Alvarado has instilled in his players. The last time Pali enjoyed this kind of success was in 1998 under Steve Burr, when All-City pitcher Brandy Davis led the Dolphins to the City 3A quarterfinals. Brought in to replace departed coach Calvin Parker barely a week before the season began, Alvarado brings a wealth of experience to the job. He has coached numerous youth softball and baseball teams, even taking North Venice Little League squads to the state tournament three years in a row. His philosophy is simple: the game will always find your weakest link. “Baseball and softball are very unforgiving that way,” Alvarado said. “If you are vulnerable in any area, it will come back to haunt you. Whether it’s a spot in the batting order or a position on the field.” So far, the Dolphins have shown very few weaknesses. Palisades reeled off seven consecutive lopsided victories before losing 7-3 to defending league champion Venice last Thursday. But they bounced back with a 5-2 win over Hamilton the very next day. “These girls are really stepping up,” said Alvarado, who has even arranged with Athletic Director David Keese to have some home games moved from Stadium by the Sea to the all-dirt diamonds at Palisades Recreation Center. “Their dedication has been phenomenal. A lot of them take the bus to and from school and yet they still stay late for Friday practices.” At the heart of Pali’s resurgence are travel ball players Emily Noel, Stephanie Torres and Nicole Torres–a trio of returners Alvarado calls “the nucleus” of the team. Noel, a sophomore, is the Dolphins’ top pitcher and also plays first base and outfield. She believes chemistry has been a key factor in Pali’s fast start. “I love our team,” she said after practice on Monday. “We all work really hard, we really want to learn and we get along so well.” Stephanie Torres, Pali’s senior captain and one of its most capable hitters, said the atmosphere surrounding the team is “150 percent better” than it was 12 months ago. “Our defense, our hitting, our attitude, our concentration–everything has changed in a positive manner,” she said. “We’re making much better use of the pitching machine, taking turns every day in practice and getting used to game speed.” Junior pitcher and shortstop Nicole Torres commands the infield, aided by Rachel Grim at second, Aarica King at third and sophomore first baseman Noelle Joy, who slugged an inside-the-park homer for the Dolphins’ first run against Venice. Leslie Estrada patrols center field, flanked by fellow junior Polly Martinez in left and senior Stephanie Pineda in right. Hasani Brewer can pitch, play third base or play the outfield, fellow senior Jael Vega plays outfield and second base, junior Adria Bonillas is a catcher and sophomore Chelsea Heritage, whom Alvarado praised for her clutch contact hitting, is an outfielder. Rounding out the squad are freshmen infielders Hannah Fagerbakke and Iliana Hernandez, each of whom has improved steadily since practice began in February. “We’re excited about the rest of the season,” Noel said. “It’s fun just to be out here playing.”