By Moses Leos III
Having inherited a softball program on the rise, first year Lehman High softball head coach Kita Adams didn’t want to focus on wholesale change.
Instead, Adams hopes to build on the program’s inaugural playoff appearance in 2014.
“I wanted to come in and focus on a new era, but also make sure we were getting better,” Adams said. “These girls have been working hard. I couldn’t ask for a better team at this moment.”
Adams, who previously coached at Pine Tree High School in East Texas, brings coaching experience that ranges from high school to the junior college ranks.
While she didn’t want to shake things up, she informed the team of her high-tempo style.
“I had told them right away that I’m intense and this is going to be fast paced. This is how we run everything,” Adams said. “We’ve taken a bit of adjustment in beginning, but they’ve adjusted to it.”
Helping Adams is a lineup that remains mostly intact from last season. Junior Kynslee Noriega, who was named first team all 27-4A catcher last year, leads a starting lineup that returns seven players.
But it will be finding a successor for pitcher Sam Villegas that will be a focus for the Lady Lobos. Adams said Kaylee Wipff, Felicia Villarreal and left-handed pitcher Karina Rata are frontrunners. Adams plans to use all three during the season.
“It’s not a set rotation, but we’ll use them and flip-flop them as much as we can,” Adams said. “We’ll split time to not wear them out.”
Behind them will be a defense that returns second team 27-4A All District outfielder Clarissa Rayos, who Adams said is “very aggressive and very fast.”
Joining Rayos will be second team infielder Angel Cruz. Middle infielder Alyeesa Ruiz will also add to the mix..
On offense, the Lobos return the power of Noriega, who Adams said has an “amazing bat.”
“She has worked hard to use more of her legs and develop her power,” Adams said. “I think we can definitely expect a lot of big things from her on the offensive and defensive side.”
Joining her will be the consistency of Lauren Pizzini, along with Claire Revis, who Adams said is patient at the plate.
Leading the charge will be Rayos, who will be called upon to lead off for the Lady Lobos. Adams said she is “loving” Rayos’ speed, both in the outfield and on the base paths. Creating confusion for opposing defenses is her goal.
“She is going to set the tempo for us getting started and getting ahead on opponents early in the game and starting momentum right,” Rayos said.
And while the team will take its first steps into 6A play, Adams said there is “no fear” within the program.
It hearkens to her mindset of focusing on winning.
“I don’t care of the name written on the jersey, or if we’re 6A. We are out to beat everyone,” Adams said. “With that, we are going to step up to the challenge and beat people.”
