Softball: Wambold a fast learner for Pride

The transitions have been many, but Nyla Wambold has weathered them all this season for Mountain Pointe softball.

A freshman, Wambold first had to make the transition from never playing high school softball to being thrust into the varsity spotlight.

"A lot of freshmen come in not knowing what to expect, and she's got a lot of experience playing softball and playing competitively and it shows out here," said MP coach Mel Wendell. "She doesn't take varsity as a scare. She takes it as a challenge, and she knows that she can hang up here."

Once on the team, Wambold learned that the Pride would be without their two returning shortstops - Danielle Muniz, who was hurt, and Melissa Lopez, who moved. Wambold was asked to transition from her natural positions of outfield and catcher to perhaps the most important position on the field.

"This is the first time I've played infield, so it was really hard at first," said Wambold, who plays club ball for the East Valley Pride, "but I'm getting more used to it, more comfortable.

"I'm just getting used to the new position and learning how to dive - things I'm not used to doing in the outfield."

Wambold is starting to find a comfort level at the new position. During a loss to Mesquite in late March, she showed good range, and was patient in the field.

On a ground ball that appeared to be headed up the middle, Wambold raced over, snagged it with her glove, and then made a throw across her body to get the runner at first.

"She's done extremely well for us this year, being more of a true outfielder and a catcher, and learning the shortstop position," Wendell said. "She's done amazing. From day one to now, she's made vast improvements at shortstop."

Wambold's also had an impact offensively. Wendell said at the beginning of the season that she expected her to be the second-fastest girl on the team, behind senior Holly Phillips, who bats leadoff.

She went 3-for-3 in the game against Mesquite, including a looping single over the third baseman's head after she fought off a tough pitch. Aware on the base paths, Wambold took second base on a pitch in the dirt, then later motored around to score on a single.

"She's got a good head on her shoulders on how to play the game," Wendell said, "and is aware of what's going on and mentally is there most of the time."

Wambold said her older teammates have been a huge help.

"They're all encouraging and just fun to hang out with," she said. "I know I can be myself with them, so it's fun."

Added Wendell: "The girls also are really good with her. They knew that she could handle it, accepted her right away as a freshman and that helps as well."