Page 66 May 2015 By Nick Smith The Arcadia girls softball team is as young as it gets this season. For most teams, multiple freshmen playing signi fi cant roles on a varsity squad signals a rebuilding year. The Titans, however, are at the absolute top of their game. “We’re just always looking for the best nine,” said Head Coach Jason Foster. “We’re not in rebuild mode because we’re young. We’re ready to win now.” Arcadia is currently using six freshmen on their varsity softball team this season. But Kelly Flynn, Maria Serrato, Morgan Ash, Regan Kerr, Haley Denning and Mae Forshey are not ordinary fi rst-year players. Kerr and Denning are batting over .500, Forshey, Flynn and Ash over .400, and Serrato sits at .389. The girls provide the serious batting power that has led them to a 16-4 record this season. “They’ve played club ball for years, so they’re used to playing at a high level,” said Foster. “They’ve been coming to my summer camps since they were in the sixth grade, so I’ve been waiting for them to come. I knew they’d make a big impact when they got here, but they’ve exceeded even my expectations.” The young help doesn’t stop with just the freshmen. Abi Abalos and Gabby Sepulveda are sophomores who both hit well over .400. Sepulveda has also helped pitch, along with fellow sophomore Sarandon Raboin. The two have combined for two wins, a save and 12 strikeouts this season. “It really is a team effort,” said Foster. “Every one of our players has a role and the team as a whole has worked really well together this season.” A younger team can always use leadership from upperclassmen and the Titans have found that with Sarah Phillips. The senior has been a one man wrecking crew when it comes to pitching this season. She has a 14-3 record with a 2.69 earned run average. Perhaps most incredible of all, she has struck out an astonishing 41 batters this season. “As the only senior, she had to step up and fi ll that leadership role,” said Foster. “And she’s done everything a senior leader is supposed to do. She has been huge for us all year.” By Tina Tombs The knock down shot is helpful when swinging into the wind, as well as a crosswind. In these conditions I try to remember the phrase: Swing easy, when it’s breezy. This keeps the ball low because slow swing speeds keep the ball under the wind. Here’s how to set up and execute the knock down shot: • Take one or two extra clubs. • Keep the grip down for more control. • Position the ball more centered or slightly back of center. • The shaft lean should be forward of the ball, where the butt end of the grip is pointing (toward the forward hip). • The weight is left and the length of your swing is three-quarters with a low fi nish. Remember, the more golf shots you have in your bag, the lower you can score. — Tina was selected as The LPGA 2014 Central Section Teacher of the Year and LPGA 2014 National Teacher of the Year. You can contact her at tina@tinatombsgolf.com. “Swing easy, when it’s breezy” Youth is a bene fi t for Arcadia softball There are currently six freshmen on Arcadia’s varsity softball team. GOLF Tips DUI CLASSES ONLINE! 3200 N Hayden Rd ~ Suite 170 - Just South of Osborn Rd 480.429.9044 WOW! WOW! ONLINE DUI ONLINE DUI SERVICES! SERVICES! SCOTTSDALETREATMENT.COM ARIZONA’S FIRST ONLINE DUI SERVICES HOME • OFFICE • TRAVEL ANYWHERE YOU CAN “LOG ON!” ONLINE SERVICES: MVD • SR-22 ALCOHOL SCREENINGS, EDUCATION & TREATMENT ARIZONA’S FIRST ONLINE DUI SERVICES Compare our rates. CALL US LAST!