JV softball (2-8) lost its first Game of the Month against El Toro High 7-11 on March 27 at the home field. El Toro High, one of the strongest teams in the league, dominated with strong offense, but supporting Portola students continued to cheer on the players with posters and encouragement.

“This game of the month is special because it’s the first Game of the Month for spring sports and girls’ softball,” girls’ athletic commissioner Madison Lam said. “Since they weren’t able to have a GOM last year, we wanted to make this one special for them by making them posters and coming out to support and cheer them on.”

Through the entire game, sophomore pitcher and captain Kelly Candelario led the team, throwing 12 strikeouts. During the first inning, sophomore and starting catcher Tiffany Wu hit an exceptional pop-fly triple that closely missed the right fence.

“I think staying through, being confident and making sure to get the plays and the outs when my team needed them was a big thing,” Candelario said. “It was really nice having all my friends and part of my family come out and support. And having the stands packed was a really nice experience.”

Despite the strong wind, members of the crowd held up colorful posters with players’ names and numbers on them. After the game, each player received her posters, as well as compliments and excitement from their friends and families.

“We always love to see the school supporting us: the more fans, the football team coming out here, screaming, yelling and being behind the girls,” head coach David Gonzales said. “It motivates them. Of course they want to perform well in front of their peers.”

The team plans to improve by strengthening defense and continuing the usual drills and physical training.