This past Friday, the Channel Island Raider Softball team made the CIF playoffs for the first time in over 20 years.
This season the Raiders went 5-5 in Citrus Coast league play. Two seasons ago, the Raiders were winless throughout the season.
“It hasn’t been easy,” coach Marissa Riley said.
Of the current roster, three remain from the 2024 team: junior Sofia Calderon and seniors Elizabeth Blancas and Gianna Zamarippa. Last season saw the Raiders improve with a record of 3-7 in league play. Blancas, co-captain and third baseman, expressed gratitude towards her teammates for their commitment shown the past two seasons.
“I’m really proud of the girls for not giving up and remaining committed,” said Blancas.
Coach Riley put emphasis on the team’s “dedication and growth” throughout the season. Along with head coach Jeffrey Valoaga, players were asked to commit to an offseason practice schedule. She credited her players’ work ethic and describes this season as bringing in all their hard work together as a team.
“Even as coaches, at times we felt like we weren’t good enough,” coach Riley said. “But seeing what we were able to accomplish has been amazing.”
The team faced a rough start of the season with injuries and player transfers, limiting the amount of time certain players got to have out on the field together.
Along with the three returning players from the 2024 season, senior Gizelle Rodriguez has been consistent for the Raiders both at the plate and defensively on the field. Junior Amaya Williams and sophomore Emma Vasquez have also been noted to be a part of a group that has helped shape the Raider rebuild.
Reflecting on the success experienced this season, Vasquez, the Raider catcher, stated that softball has helped her understand the importance of work ethic.
“Softball has taught me discipline, teamwork, and hard work,” said Vasquez. “There’s not one day that goes by that I am not thinking of ways to improve, not just for myself but for my team.”
This season, the Raider offense had six games of scoring over ten runs, with two of those games having scored over 20 runs at the plate. Blancas, a player who was asked to switch positions by coaches to start the year, credits both coach Riley and coach Valoaga for helping push players like herself to be successful.
“Both have been great at understanding me as a player, and both push me to do my best in their own way,” said Blancas.
The Raiders will play in the first round of the CIF playoffs next week, with their opponent and location yet to be determined. Looking ahead, Blancas mentioned that the Raiders are focused will continue to dedicate themselves to, “working even harder” for the playoff opportunity that was earned this season.
“It’s very exciting to have the opportunity to make it this far this season, especially in my senior year,” said Blancas. “I am hopeful and positive our team will remain working hard and continue doing our best.”
