Local high school softball teams hope to pitch a strong season and ensure themselves a run in the CIF playoffs. At The Bishop’s School, new head coach Rio Dominguez leads the Lady Knights, who finished 14-9 a season ago. Dominguez, who had been an assistant coach at Bishop’s, will look to seniors Briana Martinez and Gabby Salerno, as well as juniors AJ Kiyoizumi, Nicole Herman and Megan Keiffer to lead the way. Dominguez is also expecting contributions from the sophomore duo of Alex Mejia and Leyna Rowan. The assistant coaches are Pete Camarda and Mark Bickerstaff. “With seven returning starters, we are looking to have a great season and getting into the playoffs,” Dominguez said. “The girls are motivated and excited to start the season. We have some power in the lineup, but we will use small ball and team speed to generate runs. Our defense is good to go.” At neighboring La Jolla Country Day School, the Lady Torreys are a fresh team this season, with only three returnees from last spring. Returning sophomores Katie and Megan Woods, along with Jessica Schneider, lead a group of newcomers to the team. According to co-head coach Corinne Brunn (Thomas Abeyta is co-head coach), the Lady Torreys will build with a strong group of freshmen including pitcher Christine Campbell, infielders Jessica Lewis and Katie Lamkin, utility players Miquela Fiori, Rebecca Shanks and Briteesha Solomon. “We have a beautiful new softball facility and a very young team this season. I expect it to be a very exciting and successful season,” Brunn said. At La Jolla High School, new head coach Anthony Sarain leads the Lady Vikings, who went 2-8 in Western League play last spring. Sarain expects contributions from key players Onezia Berotte (shortstop) and Anna Parma (catcher) to lead the way. “We have a lot of returning varsity players, but there are no seniors on the squad,” Sarain stated. “Onezia and Anna should have strong seasons at the plate and in the field. Our goal is to reach CIF playoffs.”