Santa Catalina softball

 Each year we have waited for another program to wrestle away the strangle hold the Cougars have had on the league title.
 We're five years and counting.
 This was suppose to be the year Santa Catalina found itself on the outside looking in.
 A new coach, several new faces, coupled with the inability to field a junior varsity program because of dwindling numbers didn't paint the brightest of pictures.
 Instead, the Cougars are right where they're accustomed, holding a share of first place in the Mission Trail Athletic League going into Tuesday's battle at co-leader Carmel.
 It's not like the reigning five-time league champions are doing this with mirrors. Santa Catalina still has the leagues co-MVP in Cal bound shortstop Tatumn Satow.
 Four year starter Marissa Bruno, who is headed to Portland State next season, is spraying the ball all over the field. And Lauren Garcia might be the most underrated pitcher in the county.
  Of course, you need nine on the field, 10 if you're using a designated hitter. The Cougars have a roster of 11, a handful of which could have used a seasoning of junior varsity.
 Instead, it's been a trial by fire case. While the Cougars took their lumps early in non-league, they've warmed to the weather of late, having gone 6-1.
 Santa Catalina has spent the majority of the season on the road, as this will be its 12th road game in 14 dates.
 The good news is the Cougars field is ready, meaning their most meaningful games in the second half of league play will all be at home in their bid to chase another title.
 Santa Catalina has lost one home game in league play over the last six years.