By Brittany Snow

   On March 11, Gabrielino High School’s varsity softball team competed against South El Monte High School in their second league game. Although suffering a loss, 2-4, the Eagles gained experience under a new coach and during weekend tournaments in the Shapiro Classic Softball Tournament. 

   “I’m very proud of [my team] and all of the hard work we have put in,” stated captain, junior Kaila Soto. “We were doing very well and am happy that we kept our head up when things didn’t go the way as planned.”

   This season’s first league game was against Marshall High School, with a winning shutout, 16-0.

   “I’d like to say that even though our season was cut short, I had a lot of fun playing preseason tournaments with them” stated captain, Kimberly Dea, junior.

   In between the waiting period for league games to begin, the Shapiro Classic provided gameplay against schools which are not normally faced during regular season. Some of the opponents included Orthopaedic Hospital Medical Magnet High School and Ramona Convent Secondary School.

   “Next year, we’ll definitely appreciate the sport more and enjoy every moment we get on the field,” Dea stated. “Hopefully this can make us stronger as a team.”