Hart and Saugus softball sophs commit to UC Davis

Saugus' Libbie McMahan and Hart's Aly Kaneshiro sport their UC Davis sweatshirts after committing there to play softball. Courtesy of Lance Kaneshiro.
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Saugus softball’s Libbie McMahan estimates that she’s been friends with Hart softball’s Aly Kaneshiro since the two were five or six years old.

Since that point, their friendship has been surrounded by softball. The trend continued on Friday when the duo committed to UC Davis.

“We never really thought we were going to go to the same college, but when I found out we were both talking to them and like the school, I really hoped we ended up going to the same school,” said McMahan.

The sophomore tandem called the program on the same day, with Kaneshiro committing just a few hours before McMahan, then announced the next step in their softball journey on social media on Sunday.

Prior to that, they coincidentally ended up visiting the campus on the same day and kept in touch about the school ever since.

Saugus’ Libbie McMahan and Hart’s Aly Kaneshiro together at the William S. Hart Pony Baseball and Softball complex at nine years old. Courtesy of Lance Kaneshiro.

Kaneshiro and McMahan both play for So Cal Choppers Zeise 16U and both maintain GPAs over 4.4. McMahan was named All-Foothill League first team last season as a pitcher, while Kaneshiro was named second-team all-league as a catcher.

Going from playing as teammates in travel ball to competing against each other in league play is a fairly easy transition for the two, thanks to some friendly competitive spirit.

“It’s fun because I’m usually pitching against her at Hart,” said McMahan. “My goal was to strike her out (last season), but she ended up getting a ground ball against me.”

It’s the same way during basketball season, as the two compete on their respective school’s varsity teams.

“We kind of jokingly made a bet,” Kaneshiro said. “…Whoever wins (the Hart/Saugus game) owes the other ten bucks. We’ll talk a little bit, but want to kick each other’s butts.”

But no matter who wins in league this season, they both know that they’ll still be teammates for at least the next six years.

“I can’t wait to spend the rest of my journey with my best friend,” said McMahan.

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