A challenge awaits in the Palomares League for the Diamond Bar softball team. After having a 5-4 overall record in the preseason, the experienced Lady Brahmas know they are going to face many bumps along the way during league play.

“We are very optimistic that we are going to do well overall. We got a lot of new talent. Some key freshmen are now starting for us. The kids that have come in are a lot more skilled this year. The kids that are returning have played at least 40 to 50 games of travel ball. We are going to be playing in a tough Palomares League. We are very pleased with the outcome of how hard our kids are playing,” coach Roberta Garcia-Uyemura said.

One concern the team has is its inconsistency with the bat. In the first game against Redondo Union, the Lady Brahmas were held scoreless, losing 9-0. In the preseason, the team has been averaging 4.2 runs a game, far below last year’s average of 5.8 runs.

“Hitting is always a challenge. Sometimes our kids have difficulties with certain pitches and so we try to work on that during practice. That is probably our main thing,” coach Garcia-Uyemura said.

Throughout the preseason, the Lady Brahmas have consistently relied on their junior captain Casey Tamanaha. The catcher currently has a .550 batting average with five runs batted in throughout the season. Tamanaha best game of the season so far was against Western when she had three hits with one being a two-run home run.

“She has been batting third and had been hitting the ball really well. She is the one we are looking forward to in driving in the key runs,” coach Garcia-Uyemura commented.

However, even though the team lacks a consistent bat, the Lady Brahmas’ pitching has been spectacular through the first eight games of the season. DB currently has a 1.58 earned runs average per game and has held three of their opponents to one run or less.

With league play just around the corner, there is a positive atmosphere floating around the softball program as the teammates are creating a firm bond to hold for the season.

“One of our strengths is that we’re all really close to each other and get along really well. Our strategies are to just go out on the field and have fun and not to worry about messing up because we all have each other’s back,” senior first baseman Jackie Zuniga said.

The Lady Brahmas will face Madera tomorrow and then participate in the Diamond Bar Springfest tournament on Friday and Saturday.