The Monte Vista varsity softball team has a particular mindset that it’s focusing on this season: Positivity.
The Monarchs (3-3) defeated the Holtville Vikings (3-4, 0-2) Monday afternoon by a final score of 7-2 on their own turf.
When things got intense, cheers and chants from Monte Vista’s dugout filled the stadium.
According to the bats in the diamond, the constant encouragement helped lead the Monarchs to victory.
Head coach Edgar Quinagon said the team’s energy is key game-to-game.
“We try to keep our dugout loud,” he said. “We want (the team) focused on the game. That’s why we try to keep them cheering for one another and we stay positive.”
The positive atmosphere has led to the team’s more recent success and become a major focus moving further.
The optimistic environment was not always so prevalent, though.
Senior catcher Ionna Upham said there was a dramatic shift in the team’s attitude.
“In the beginning of the season, we came in not really working so well with each other and you could see it in our record,” she said. “We really worked on our attitudes and fixed it and when you do that, you can see a better outcome.”
Sophomore pitcher Abigail Johnston said the positivity goes beyond the diamond.
“If you’re on the field or off the field you should always have a good attitude,” she said. “And cheer each other on. That’s very important.”
Quinagon said the team chemistry is important this season.
“We just want to play as a team, it’s not a self thing,” he said. “We back each other up no matter what happens, win or lose. Once (the student-athletes) are in my gates, we’re a family. That’s what we’re trying to do and that’s what we’re trying to focus on.”
