Eagles open CAL with 5-0 win over Capital Christian

Vista del Lago has had a good softball team since the school opened in 2007, but a Sac-Joaquin Section championship has avoided them. Whether they win it this year remains to be seen, but the Eagles are going for it and certainly have the potential of being a championship team: they've got a good mix of veterans and underclassmen and check the boxes offensively, defensively, and in the pitcher's circle. They've just got to execute. The team is led by seniors Tayler Biehl, Sammy Smith and Rubie Kelly, and a strong junior class that includes Olivia Manchester, Morgan Sweet, Ally Morrissey, Aliana Avila, and Makayla Mentzer. "The goals are to go undefeated in league and win a section championship," Vista coach Julie Lazar said. "That's what we're working toward. We've got a good team. We've got three strong seniors and it's just a good year to make that a goal. We're looking forward to a strong season." Vista opened Capital Athletic League play at home on Thursday against Capital Christian and rolled to a 5-0 win. Leadoff hitter and senior shortstop Tayler Biehl, arguably the best shortstop in the area, will play at the University of Arizona next fall. A four-year starter, Biehl had a great game with four hits, including a double and home run, three stolen bases and four runs scored. Fellow senior Sammy Smith, hitting two spots behind Biehl, was a benefactor of Biehl getting on base, as she had three hits, including a double, and four runs batted. Charlize Cai also had two hits and two stolen bases, but left a bigger mark with her pitching, as she allowed only one hit and struck out seven. "I used mostly my rise ball and my changeup," Cai said. "My changeup wasn't working that well, so it was mostly my rise ball. I rarely threw the curve or screw ball because I feel they're not as effective because batters can see them better." "Charlize is a fiery player who has progressed a lot from last year," Lazar said. "She's been doing really well. She's improved her game and we've got some good pitchers behind her in Olivia Manchester and two sophomores, Bella Hess and Gianna Davis." Vista scored five runs on 10 hits, but struck out nine times. "We definitely expect to hit more than we did today," Lazar said. "They made some good defensive plays." For the Eagles, right fielder Olivia Manchester made their best defensive play of the game. In the top of the sixth with one out, Abby Rhee singled to center field for Capital Christian's first and only hit, as Vista center fielder Ally Morrissey dove for the ball but missed. Manchester backed her up and threw to second to nab Rhee. "That was our best defensive play of the game," Lazar said, "and we practice that." The Eagles have tougher games ahead and the playoffs are two months away, but there's no reason to believe they can't accomplish their goals. "We can be really good," Cai said. "We just have to keep improving and work on the little things." Said Biehl, "We just have to do what we do and keep it simple. We don't have a bunch of home run hitters. We're going to have to play our game. It will come down to timely hitting for us. "This team is fun. The games are fun and the practices are fun. If you make a mistake, you just move on to the next play. It's a fun environment to play in." Perhaps the team's greatest asset is that they're a true team. "This team is very much a team and they are unified," Lazar said. "They're always coaching each other and checking in with each other; seeing what the pitcher is throwing and making adjustments. They're very invested and they cheer each other on." Vista (4-0-1) gets right back in the action with a non-league game Friday on the road at Antelope.