MorganHillTimes.com | Sobrato getting back to basics for 2008

Sobrato getting back to basics for 2008

Mar 4, 2008
By Scott J. Adams - Sports Editor

You could say Sobrato softball coach Robert Clampett's formula for success is fundamental, and you wouldn't be far off.

The Bulldogs' skipper aims to turn his young team into a Santa Teresa Division contender in 2008, starting - literally - from the ground up.

"We only have two seniors and three returning starters - we're definitely a young team," Clampett said. "With that in mind, the expectations have to be to work on fundamentals and eliminate mental mistakes."

The approach comes across like a get-rich quick scheme - and so far, Sobrato is making a killing. The Bulldogs stayed perfect in nonleague play with a 6-1 victory over The King's Academy on Friday, improving to 2-0.

Sobrato limited itself to two errors in the game - the first leading to the visiting Knights' only score in the first inning.

"That's exactly how we want to play this year," Clampett added. "Today, we minimized our mistakes and put some runs across. When you play sound ball, the wins take care of themselves more often than not."

Success gives way to confidence, and the Bulldogs' modest winning streak is reason to believe this season could see a program-best finish.

"Our attitude is the biggest change - it's probably the best it's ever been," said senior third baseman Janie Aylard. "Each of us is playing better. ... These first two wins really boosted our confidence."

A fast start was missing in 2007 when Sobrato finished winless in Blossom Valley Athletic League play. The Bulldogs returned to practice this year with a chip on their shoulders, itching for a turnaround.

"We're not content to lose," said freshman catcher Nicole Larson. "We want to win games this year and do our best."

One of the most promising early signs this year has been the growing competition for starting jobs - a common catalyst for improvement.

"It's intense, but it's good competition," Larson said. "Everyone wants to contribute."

Larson is one of seven underclassmen on the Bulldogs' roster this year. Against King's Academy, she caught for Lisa Woodson - also a freshman - who pitched a complete-game six-hitter, striking out eight batters and walking four.

Woodson twice loaded the bases with no outs but came away unscathed. She helped her cause at the plate, belting two of Sobrato's 11 hits.

"Lisa's one of our younger players that's going to do a lot for us this year," Clampett said. "She pitched well today."

Woodson is part of a rotation that includes Clampett's daughter, Danielle Clampett, who bats cleanup and switches in at first base.

Danielle fanned 11 in Sobrato's opening win against Andrew Hill, a game she felt showed the team's newfound identity.

"We're starting to show character - that's something we didn't have a year ago," she said. "We get along better now. That definitely helps."

When she's in the circle, Clampett will pitch in front of a solid infield, featuring multi-sport standout Sarina Santiago at second base, Allison Stoner at shortstop and Aylard at the hot corner.

The speedy Katie Merton, who bats second behind Larson, will roam center field, flanked by Brooke Martin in left and Abbey Broeder in right.

"I think our outfield is going to be one of the strongest parts of the team," Aylard said. "That and our hitting. Everyone is batting a lot better."

Sobrato has one final nonleague test Wednesday versus Scotts Valley before opening BVAL play April 4 at Oak Grove. Robert said the team showed be in top form by then.

"Hopefully, we'll have the right mentality going into league," he added. "Once we have that, we'll take everything one step at a time."

Scott J. Adams
Scott J. Adams covers Morgan Hill sports for South Valley Newspapers. Send him an email or call him at 779-4106.