Hembarsky sparks Sage Hill softball

Chris Yemma

With a youthful school, it usually takes time to build the athletic

programs, as is the case in the Sage Hill School softball department.

But this year, the Lightning, who have never qualified for the

postseason, could be on pace to make history.

A hefty case for the success this year is due to junior Rebecca

Hembarsky, an ace in the circle who also carries a heavy bat at the

plate.

“She’s the leader; everybody looks to her,” first-year coach

Rodger Corbett said. “She does everything well.”

Hembarsky’s hitting skills this season culminated April 29 in a

win against Oxford Academy. She was 4 for 4 with three doubles, a

single and two RBIs while also throwing a complete-game five-hitter

with one strikeout and three walks.

The junior has helped the team to a current third place in the

Academy League with a 4-3 record, while improving 9-7 herself.

If the Lightning continue to win and stay in the third league

spot, they will qualify for the CIF Southern Section Division V

playoffs for the first time in the school’s history.

Corbett, who coached at Esperanza a few years back, said coaching

at Sage is a whole different ballgame.

“When I first got here, I thought we were in for a lot of

trouble,” he said. “I came from Division I, and there’s a big, big

difference. I had seniors here that didn’t know how to base run, but

it’s been a fun experience.”

Not only have the Lightning learned how to run the bases, they

have learned how to win games. And Hembarsky is the cornerstone.

“This season I’ve just been practicing a lot,” Hembarsky said.

“[Corbett] has been helping me and I’m getting my pitches down.”

The slugger currently leads the team with a .358 batting average

with one triple and five doubles. She has a 3.14 ERA through 16 games

to help improve the once fledgling team in a school that demands

academic excellence from each and every student.

“It’s amazing what they’re doing,” Corbett said. “These kids are

loaded up [with work] and it’s tough for them to come out here and

hustle. There’s so much [academic] pressure, but everyday, from the

first day until now, they get better. It’s unbelievable.”

Should the worst-case scenario play out and the Lightning fall to

fourth place to miss postseason qualification, both Corbett and

Hembarsky will be back next season with even more experience.

Hembarsky said she is looking to play travel ball this summer to

improve her skills, while Corbett said he is planning on sticking

around.

“I think I can improve a lot, especially on hitting,” Hembarsky

said. “I just need to keep practicing. My goal is to keep pitching

well and stop striking out as much.”

If the Lightning make history this season, Hembarsky will have at

least one more game for practice.