By Nicole Kalosh

The Granada Hills Charter (GHC) varsity softball team is making waves this season, and their performance on the field is something worth talking about. They entered playoffs last week, facing off against Venice High School on Wednesday, May 8. They moved on to play against El Camino Real Charter High School on Tuesday, May 14. The team has achieved impressive rankings: they stand at #20 in California, #1 in the Los Angeles City Section, and #1 in the Los Angeles City Section Division I. With a season record of 22-2 and an undefeated league record, it’s clear that the team is on fire and setting new standards for excellence.

The team has many strong players including junior Jocelyn Jimenez who has the highest batting average, on-base percentage, and number of hits. Junior Anabella Ramirez has had seven home runs this season. Senior Jeannette Camarena has had 34 runs batted in. Senior Vivan Acosta has stolen ten bases. The team’s record shows that they are very strong overall.

Their undefeated league status has significantly boosted their overall record and momentum. They shut out Venice High School with a score of 11-0, illustrating not just their skills at the sport but also their teamwork. One of the most notable aspects of their games is the amount of encouragement the players give each other when they are at bat or on the field.

The team has faced challenges throughout their season, however. For example, during their Spring Fling game against Harvard-Westlake High School on April 20, the girls ended with a close score of 6-7 in favor of Harvard-Westlake. However, the team quickly bounced back and showed their resilience in their next game later that day. In the Village Christian Tournament, they defeated Westlake High School with a score of 2-1, proving their ability to recover, adapt, and come back stronger after a loss.

One of the standout aspects of this team is their strong bond and teamwork. The relationships within the team are palpable, and it’s evident that they work well together both on and off the field. This unity and camaraderie contribute to their success, as they trust, communicate, and support each other, making them a force to be reckoned with in the softball world.

“We have worked very well together this season,” senior Malia Plourde said. “On and off the field the team has a great connection, especially because almost all of us played together last year. So this season just brought us together even more.”

The GHC varsity softball team has had a remarkable season filled with memorable moments, victories, and lessons learned. With their impressive rankings, strong performance in recent matches, cohesive teamwork, and unwavering determination, they are setting the bar high for themselves, inspiring their fans, supporters, and community.

As the season continues and playoffs continue, all eyes will be on this talented team as they aim for even greater achievements and success. Go Highlanders!