Junior Briel Brookins lines a base hit up the middle against Christian Brothers.

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - The Cordova Lady Lancers have enjoyed a ton of success the past four softball seasons, winning four consecutive Greater Sacramento League titles under the guidance of head coach Kim Little.

This spring however, the league change will be interesting. 

With realignment occurring within the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Sac Joaquin Section, the Lady Lancers now find themselves in the very tough Metro League, going against the likes of West Park, Kennedy, McClatchy and others. It will be a step up in competition, and according to Little, the challenge is welcome. 

 Cordova junior Ava Fernand delivers a pitch against Christian Brothers. Photos by Rick Sloan

"For us, on the softball field it's going to be extremely good," Little said. "Competition-wise, it will be very competitive. Coming from the GSL (Greater Sacramento League) and winning it back-to-back-to-back-to-back, I think we kind of lost that fire. I think this is good for us."

Cordova has started their season 2-3 overall at press time, including a gritty 9-6 victory at home against visiting Rosemont on March 6.

Tied 5-5 in the bottom of the fifth inning, Lady Lancers' sophomore power hitter Becca Lee blasted a solo home run toward center field that connected with the outfield scoreboard, a feat that left players and spectators alike speechless. The play would spark a 3-1 run from Cordova the rest of the way to seal the victory. 

 Sophomore Becca Lee guns down the Christian Brothers batter from third base.

Lee, who now has two home runs in the season, also leads Cordova with 10 RBIs (runs batted in) and boasts a .526 batting average, good for second on the team.

For Little, the sophomore has been one of the most impactful players on the team early on this season: "She's just a sophomore and has so much upside. She's a multi-sport athlete and this is by far her favorite sport. Big things should come from her."

In addition to Lee, junior Briel Brookins is contributing in a big way thus far. Brookins leads the Lady Lancers in three categories, with a .562 batting average, a .667 on base percentage and has racked up eight stolen bases. All of the young talent has their coach feeling good about their future, in both the short and long term.

Briel Brookins slides safely into second for a stolen base against Christian Brothers. 

"We're coming together as a team," Little said. "We only have one senior so we're still considered young. We're excited and very optimistic."

Cordova now has nearly two weeks off until the start of league play, when it hosts visiting McClatchy on Thursday, March 27. First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m. The Lady Lancers will spend their time off preparing for their first taste of Metro League competition, and according to their coach, will be more than up for the challenge.

"Our goal is to compete," Little said. "And we're coming for that league title."