In a sport like softball hitting can be contagious and that is certainly true in the case of Palisades High freshmen softball players Calia and Talia Hunter.
The twin sisters are always trying to outdo each other, in a sibling rivalry sort of way, and when one of them does something good — like get a big hit or make a catch — the other tends to follow. Thursdayâs Western League opener was a perfect example of how they lift one another’s play, as each contributed mightily to the Dolphinsâ 2-1 victory on their 15th birthday.
âI kind of knew I had to catch it,â Calia said after snaring a line drive at second base for the final out. âWeâre really motivated to work hard in practice and make less mental mistakes. My sister and I always play on the same team so weâre used to it. I know how to play everywhere in the field and shes gravitates more towards pitching.â
While Calia came through with perhaps the biggest catch of the game, Talia delivered one of the key hits â an RBI double that scored Sasha Vanley to tie the game 1-1 in the fourth inning.
âI really wanted a hit so we could get started,â said Talia, who is the older sister by one minute. âWeâre both good at different things but we do critique each other and we do try to one-up each other. If I get a hit, she has to get one too.â
Palisades went ahead 2-1 on a single by Monika Swanson that scored Talia Hunter and Paulette Ely made the lead stand, tossing a two-hitter with one walk and seven strikeouts.
Calia began playing tee-ball at the age of 7 and her sister took up the sport shortly thereafter. Both played at Paul Revere Middle School and have started practicing with the Santa Monica Patriots, a fastpitch club squad.
— Steve Galluzzo
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