Softball gets ready for big season
The Sierra Canyon softball program is looking forward to an exciting 2023 season.
The team is loaded with talented returners and hopes to make a long playoff run in Division 3. Two years ago, the Trailblazers advanced to the quarterfinals and last year was the victim of an upset setback in the first round.
Sierra Canyon is ready to erase that memory behind a trio of outstanding pitchers.
The leader in the circle is Hailey Shuler, a junior right-hander who is committed to Duke. Madelaine Debs is headed to Bethel Univ. in Kansas and will get plenty of innings.
Ava Debs is a junior and will be a viable third option before taking the reins in 2024 at the primary pitcher.
“We have a deep and talented staff,” Sierra Canyon coach Regina Jorgensen said. “All three girls are throwing extremely hard. Our pitching is a strength and key component to our team.”
Liana Lara will start at catcher and primed with the task of corralling these three hurlers. Lara is a junior.
Another catcher learning and coming into her own is freshman Sophia Sarni.
The lineup will be led by Shuler, Central Florida-commit Izzy Mertes and Columbia-bound center fielder Olivia Makins.
All three girls can hit for power, average, and drive in runs.
Jorgensen is also excited about the addition of a few newcomers.
Peyton Jackson joins the team from Marymount in Los Angeles and Nina Johsnon is a sophomore transfer from Birmingham. Johnson will play the corner infield positions.
The top freshman is Natalia Arleiz, a top second baseman.
The schedule includes an exciting trip to Hawaii Feb. 18-20 and nonleague contests with Chatsworth, Burbank, Burroughs, Heritage Christian and Rio Mesa.
The Trailblazers also move into the Mission League and will battle the likes of Notre Dame (Sherman Oaks), Chaminade, Alemany and Louisville.
“We are definitely in a better league and looking forward to really competitive games,” Jorgensen said.