Mariners Players Beltran and Trammel Lead the Team Over the Red Devils

The Mar Vista Lady Mariners varsity softball team could have had a letdown against the Sweetwater Lady Red Devils. But, with leadership from seniors Stephanie Beltran and Ariana Trammel, the Mariners broke out their big sticks and trounced the Red Devils 15-2 in a South Bay League game Wednesday.

Beltran led the drubbing, going 3-3 including a double, five RBI, and scored three times. She is a pivotal player in a powerful offense that looks to do some damage when the playoffs arrive. Her solid play at third has enabled the pitchers to have confidence in a strong left side of the infield.

Setting up next to Beltran in the field is Ariana Trammel, who has excellent range at
shortstop as well as an accurate throwing arm from deep in the hole. Trammel seems to enjoy the role of being a leader both on the field and off.

“No matter who we play, we have to set the tone,” said Trammel.

Even during blowout games, both players know that letdowns can’t happen at this stage of the season.

“In these types of games, it is sometimes easy for us to lose our intensity. We have to make sure that our intensity does not change during the game,” Trammel said. She finished the game with a pair of singles, three runs scored and two walks.

The intensity shines in both players eyes. “There is something about getting pumped up during the warm ups,” said Beltran. “I am focused during school but at 2:00 it is softball time and that becomes my focus.”

“For these types of games we have to keep up our focus and intensity,” said Mariners’ Head Coach Rick Nichols.

“We had a solid practice yesterday against our junior varsity team and it really prepared us well for the type of pitching that we knew we were going to see today. Sometimes we can lose our focus, but Ariana and Stephanie really stepped
up today.”

The Lady Mariners will travel to Sweetwater on Friday to conclude their two-game series against the Red Devils.