Senator softball looks to contend this spring

 Carson High softball is looking to turn a ‘what could have been season’ from 12 months ago, to a team looking to fit together all of its parts.
After losing an influential group of seniors gunning for a state title, the Senators are now looking to see what talent they have waiting in the wings.
Of course, Carson is not devoid of talent and boats two Div. I signees on the roster in Kedre Luschar (University of Oregon) and Amaya Mendeguia (Univ. of Rhode Island).
There will still be two Luschar’s in the dugout as 2020 Carson grad, Kailee Luschar, is helping coach the Senators this spring.
Infielders Taylor Murphy and Amberlee Ketten round out the group of four seniors leading the team this spring.
“We are trying to get our feel for everything. It’s a lot of unknowns,” said head coach Carlos Mendeguia. “We’re trying to figure out what we can do. We’re trying to figure out what other teams can do.”

Learning on the fly
The Senators dropped their season opener to Douglas, 6-1, Thursday afternoon.
Luschar did most of the damage on offense, accounting for two of Carson’s three hits and crossing the plate as the lone Senator run.
Corine Doran plated Luschar in the fourth on an RBI single to right field.
Luschar and Mendeguia will hold down the left side of the infield at their respective shortstop and third base positions.
The left side of the infield featured Murphy at first base and Shannen Vonduering in the gap at second Thursday afternoon.
Guarding the outfield was Ketten, Kayce Johnston and Kennedy Redican Thursday – from left field to right.
The outfield is an athletic bunch and Mendeguia expects them to track down balls to keep Carson in games.
In the circle will be a familiar face as Caydee Farnworth will be the No. 1 option for the Senators while freshman Isabella Reyes will also get some innings.
“We’re excited about her,” said Mendeguia of Reyes. “She will be a solid pitcher for us.”
After only getting four games of action in Las Vegas last March before the season was shut down, Mendeguia and company will be taking every opportunity to see growth within his squad.
“We’re learning and trying to be patient,” said Mendeguia. “I think we just need to have a better approach the plate. (Douglas’) Talia Tretton has a good rise ball.”

The rest of Northern Nevada
Mendeguia wasn’t worried about the opening loss for Carson.
In fact, much like his coaching counterpart across the diamond Thursday in John Glover, Mendeguia thinks the whole region has a chance at taking people by surprise.
McQueen and Reed both have talented pitchers that should keep them near the top of the standings.
Spanish Springs always seems to be in the mix and Mendeguia thinks the Tigers’ from Douglas and their depth could provide a tough out along the way.
“Down the road, we will be in the hunt too,” said Mendeguia.
Carson softball will play an average of four games a week this season with contests occurring on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s followed by a Saturday doubleheader.

Senator offense pours it on Damonte Ranch
Carson quickly responded to the slow offense in the season opener with 31 runs across two wins over Damonte Ranch Saturday. 
Corine Doran led the charge with four RBIs in game one while Farnworth, von Duering, Kennedy Redican and Reyes added two RBIs apiece. 
The Senators took game one 16-2 while Farnworth tossed five innings as the pitcher. 
The junior allowed three hits and struck out 10 to pick up the win in the circle. 
In game two, the Senators were just as dominant, taking a 15-4 win over the Mustangs. 
Kedre Luschar was 4-for-4 at the plate with four runs, three RBIs and four stolen bases. Shannen von Duering also drove in three runs for Carson in the win.
Reyes needed 57 pitches to get through five innings in the second half of the doubleheader, allowing one earned run in the win.