The Panthers were a compelling view on April 9 during a home softball game against St. Ignatius College Preparatory (St. Ignatius), in which the Panthers took the win. The stands were filled with parents from both teams; players at their respective benches cheered for players heading up to up-to-bat. Meanwhile parents whispered about their daughters among each other, reciting performance stats, past games and college plans. On the field, girls were standing in the blazing sun — masks on and ready for anything. 

 At the top of the third inning, with St. Ignatius pitching and Sydney Crespo on first base, Sam Palacio hit toward left field allowing Crespo to get on second base. With Kailey O’Connor up to bat after, she hit right to the pitcher who threw to third, getting Crespo out but allowing O’Connor to get on first base. Next was Sydney Flemming up to bat, and she hit a grounder to left field which let Palacio easily walk home. The team kept up their good work and ending up winning 6-5.

Due to COVID-19 regulations, the players kept their masks on during the entire game. One pitcher from St. Ignatius safely shrugged her mask off when on the mound due to her distance away from other players. Crespo, a senior and an outfielder, said the team is used to playing with masks since they practice with them as well. 

“I think [the masks] definitely take some adjusting to especially when running but overall I feel it hasn’t impacted anyone seriously,” Crespo said. 

John Saucedo, one of the team’s coaches, seemed to be hopeful about the rest of the season. 

Saucedo also mentioned that this year, both JV and varsity have been combined in the best interest of the team.

“We just didn’t want to hurt any feelings and wanted a positive attitude for next year,” Saucedo said.

Saucedo also praised his team for their diligence in wearing masks and maintaining a six foot distance from one another. 

“Everything we do has space in it… I haven’t had to say anything to the kids [about keeping distance],” Saucedo said.

 The Panthers are scheduled to play 19 total games this season and have played thirteen so far. They hope to continue their success in their upcoming games.