Softball team enters home stretch
By Hector Trujillo
The Scripps Ranch High School varsity softball team looks to finish the regular season strong as it enters the final five games starting on Thursday, May 1 at home in a rematch versus University City High.
The Lady Falcons started off on the right-foot with a dominating 9-4 victory over Central Union High School before falling to San Dieguito Academy 7-5 – both during tournament play on March 1.
“We are always looking to improve each year to make it back to D1,” said head coach Jay Russell. “This year, we have a better vibe, and the team is happier to be together.”
Scripps Ranch High was moved up to D2 in 2025 from D3 last season after finishing with a 16-11 record, when that season ended in a heart breaking 2-1 loss to Coronado in the first round of CIF playoffs.
The Lady Falcons are still looking good for a shot at winning the Eastern League and going deep into CIF D2 playoffs.
The team is led by senior Sarah “Sam” Mather, who plays third base; senior Natalie Savary at shortstop; and senior Brooke Griffin at second base.
“We have a young but solid pitching staff that has unlimited potential to help us beat any team we face,” Russell said. “Right now, we have the talent with young pitching, batting and have a lot of potential to win league this year.”
Among the other noteworthy standouts this season are junior Lily Eigen, sophomore Alina Grady, sophomore Isabella Coppola, sophomore Katelyn Toth and freshman Kenzie Johnson.
The team is also fundamentally solid defensively, which has helped it keep opponents off the scoreboard, along with being strong in the area of base hitting and running on contact.
“All of this helps us look great for this season and future seasons to come,” Russell said. “It’s an upbeat vibe for the team and we are going for our first league title since 2019.”
Despite losing two of its following three games after tournament play on opening day, Scripps Ranch High proceeded to win four in a row over West Hills High, Ramona High, Westview High and Canyon Crest Academy. The streak came to an end on April 12 with 10-4 loss to Academy of Our Lady of Peace before kicking off league competition versus University City on April 15 with a 10-1 win and another victory against Madison High, 13-4, on April 17.