Since Santa Monica High has an outstanding softball program the wins far surpass the losses annually.
But Coach Debbie Skaggs believes in playing a challenging non-league schedule to prepare her team for the season-ending playoffs. And sometimes that leads to some defeats.
Samohi currently has a 9-5 record and a recent 6-0 loss to Highland serves as an example of the plan. She’d like to win every game but sees the benefit of subjecting her players to the best competition she can find.
Another example was playing South Torrance twice in the same day. Samohi lost the first game, 10-8 before winning the second, 13-5.
Samohi has played many games away, particularly in tournaments, but had a home game last week and defeated Redondo, 6-0.
Shortstop Kaike Nakao is hitting .385. Holly Elander is at .382 and Celisha Walker at .361. Walker, the Viking’ star pitcher, also leads in RBI with 11,
Unlike baseball, where a larger pitching staff is required, it’s common for one pitcher to carry a team in softball.
Walker has faced 275 batters this season. Natalie Abel pitches occasionally and has faced 17 batters.
The team will rest during spring break and will begin Ocean League play April 13 against Inglewood. The league figures stronger than in recent years with Hawthorne and Culver City off to fast starts.
MITCH CHORTKOFF
Mirror Sports Editorsports@smmirror.com