The Ridgeview girls’ softball team is gearing up for a strong comeback this season. With only two games played so far, the team is just getting started and eager to showcase their determination, skill, and resilience as the season unfolds.
Senior, Ariel Ramos Baies has been passionate about softball since she first picked up a glove at the age of three. Over the years, she has experienced the transition from playing as a young child to competing at the high school level, now preparing for the next chapter in college.
Softball runs in the family for Ramos Baies, making the sport even more meaningful. “My older sister played softball, so it was something we bonded over,” she shared.
As a dedicated player at Ridgeview since her freshman year, Ramos Baies has faced challenges throughout her time on the team. Reflecting on the past seasons, she admitted, “ The previous years were kind of rough. There was always some kind of drama , but at the end of the day, I just wanted to play softball.”
When asking Ramos Baies who would be the hardest team to go against this season, she states, “ Definitely Independence High School or Highland High School because they all have girls’ that play travel ball and they’re all coached really well.”
Junior Sofia Ramirez has dedicated eight years to playing softball, a sport that has been a significant part of her life since childhood. “ I enjoy playing softball since it was the sport that I used to play the most when I was younger,” she shared. Like any athlete, Ramirez draws motivation for the game, teammates and the support of her family. “What motivates me is spending time with my teammates and seeing all my family at my games,” she said.
Looking ahead to the season, Ramirez knows there will be tough competition, and one team in particular stands out. “Bakersfield Christian High School is probably going to be our toughest game since they have some really strong pitchers,” she said.
When asking who would be the hardest school to go against this season, Ramirez states, “I think it would be Bakersfield Christian High School because they have really good pitchers.”
Head varsity softball coach Luis Ventura is in his fourth season coaching softball at Ridgeview. As he has also had previous coaching experience at Sierra Middle School, North High School, and also Frontier High School. Ventura’s main motivation for his coaching is his seven year old daughter as she also plays softball as well as his two nieces. “ My daughter was the main reason I switched from coaching baseball to softball,” he said.
As the season progresses there are going to be new players and some returning. “ We have five freshmen on the team and seven varsity returners,” Ventura shared. Since it is a new season there are still many things that the team may need to improve on as the time goes. However, Ventura shared that last season started off strong and how they were so close to being able to compete in playoffs. “We needed to win two more games to qualify for playoffs,” he states.
Ventura recognizes Bakersfield Christian as a tough matchup that his team is going to have to overcome. “ They won a valley championship last season and most of their starters are returning this season,” he states.
In his fourth season at Ridgeview, coach Ventura is passionate about the game, drawing inspiration from his daughter and nieces. With a mix of returning players and fresh talent, he’s focused on building a strong team and making a playoff run after coming up just short last year. He knows tough challenges like Bakersfield Christian lie ahead, but he’s confident in his team’s growth and determination.
