Photos by Ray Hamill/HumbodtSports.com – Shortstop Corrina Cunningham is the only senior on the Tigers roster this season.
By Ray Hamill — A young Arcata Tigers team could be ready to surprise some people this year.
The Arcata girls got the new softball season off to a winning start on Friday afternoon, defeating visiting Middletown 11-3.
Junior pitcher Morgan Ford, who will represent the U.S. in Barcelona this summer, and junior third baseman Sagen Sarchett each impressed in the opener, and both players should be a handful for the rest of the H-DNL moving forward.
But with just one senior and three juniors on the roster, the big question for the Tiggers is how quickly can a large group of sophomores and freshmen develop.
“They’re scrappy,” new head coach Steve Sarchett said. “They don’t give up. They’ve got a ton of heart and they play because they love the game.”
It’s also a group that has made some big strides in the preseason.
“We’ve grown so much in the last four weeks,” the head coach said. “This team is coming together.”
Ford hit her spots for the win in the circle on Friday, allowing just three hits in seven strong innings and striking out six, while Sarchett looked like she will be one of the most dangerous bats in the Big 5 with a 3-for-3 day at the plate, including a two-run home run in the sixth.
The junior standout also had a walk and four total RBIs.
“She’s swinging the bat and seeing it good,” said head coach and father, Steve. “She’s done a lot of work over the summer.”
Fellow junior Taylor Appy also had two hits, including a double, and drove in a pair of runs, while also playing well at second base.
Sophomore Lexie Alto added two hits and two RBIs.
The team’s lone senior, Corrina Cunningham, also had a good day at shortstop and will be expected to provide some much-needed leadership for this young roster.
The entire starting outfield — left fielder Ella Brown, center fielder Lily Cunningham and right fielder Toni Diaz —are freshmen, but all played well in their high school debuts.
A pair of sophomores — catcher Maria Williamson and Alto at first base — both also played well in the win.
“I thought it was a great team win,” Steve Sarchett said. “We played great defense, we hit the ball well and we threw strikes.”
Sagen Sarchett and Corrina Cunningham each will also see some time in the pitcher’s circle this season.
The Tigers won’t play again for two weeks, when they travel for the St. Bernard’s tournament.
