For the first time since 2014, Kentridge fastpitch is off to a 5-1 start after defeating Auburn convincingly 16-0 on April 3 at Auburn High School.

“It feels amazing. This is going to be a fun team to watch the rest of the year. I’m excited,” Head Coach Rachel Shillinger said.

The Chargers took a tough loss on the chin against unbeaten Tahoma 6-1 earlier in the week and bounced back with authority, putting up eight runs in the first inning against Auburn.

“Our girls did an awesome job bouncing back. Our bats weren’t really there against Tahoma. Tonight they really came alive and found solid contact. It was a nice win and great bounce back,” Shillinger said.

After putting up an 8-spot, standout sophomore Jozie Thompson headed to the circle. She threw just one inning, but dominated, and as junior Genesis Miller said, she’s the reason the Kentridge engine goes.

“She’s a solid pitcher. We would be struggling without her for sure,” Miller said.

Kentridge is much deeper than just Thompson. Against Auburn, every player that took an at-bat reached base. Players like Thompson, Miller, Naomi Benavides, Kenzie Coble and more all contribute on the offensive side of the ball and bring energy and confidence to the diamond.

“It’s a fun environment on our team. I think the energy is good,” said Miller.

Building such a big lead early allowed Shillinger to use her bench and get some players an at-bat against Auburn — 14 different Chargers registered an at-bat in the shutout win.

“It’s awesome to see these girls start to love the sport. They put in so much work in practice and work so hard. For them to start being noticed is awesome,” Miller said.

But a big importance has been the Chargers’ strength in the circle and their infielders across the diamond.

“I think we have a solid pitching and infield. That is kind of the core of our group. They are filled by chemistry as well,” Shillinger said.

What is also special is Kentridge has just three seniors: Emily Royal, Honoka Zimmers and Taylor Alvarez are leaders for the Chargers this year.

“All three of them have a bunch of energy. They’re our energy and leaders. They bring us up when we are down. They keep the energy going throughout the game, which is something you need, especially in tough games,” Shillinger said.

After Thompson left the game after one inning of work, Miller came in to pitch. Now she admittedly hasn’t pitched much, but went four innings, allowing just one hit while striking out six.

“I haven’t put in any time. I am not a pitcher,” Miller said laughing. “For club, I just play short, and for high school season, it is my first time pitching of the year. It is definitely nice to bounce back.”

Last season the Chargers went 2-1 in the district tournament, falling to Decatur for the first time that season. This year the vibe around the team is different. The last time the Chargers made the state tournament was 2002, before every player on the roster was born.

But this year, there is a feeling of expectations. The feeling of winning.

“It is kind of a shock to hear teammates saying ‘We should go to state, we might have a chance.’ It is pretty motivating and drives practices too, knowing that we are a good team and have potential,” Miller said.

Genesis Miller high fives Jozi Thompson. Ben Ray / The Reporter

Makenna Bennett throws the ball to field after fielding a ground ball. Ben Ray / The Reporter