SOFTBALL 2002 A PREVIEW OF AREA HIGH SCHOOL TEAMS.Byline: Compiled by Gerry Gittelson Staff Writer SOUTHERN SECTION FOOTHILL Defending-champion Valencia (25-5) is the obvious favorite because of the return of dominating pitcher Tori Rocco. The junior right-hander, who twice beat rival Hart of Newhall (25-5) a year ago, used her six-pitch arsenal to finish 18-4 with a 0.43 ERA. ``We have a lot of goals, but first of all we want to win the league again,'' Rocco said. ``There are still a lot of good teams to beat.'' Valencia also returns left-hander Christina Ross, a hard-throwing sophomore who was 7-1 with a 0.27 ERA a year ago. She might be the league's second-best pitcher. Other key returnees include slick shortstop Ashley Herrera, third baseman third baseman n. Baseball The infielder stationed near third base. Noun 1. third baseman - (baseball) the person who plays third base third sacker Kortney Bell, outfielder Danyale Peterson and catcher Jaisa Creps. Creps, a converted outfielder, takes over for Daily News Player of the Year Lauren Watson (now at BYU BYU Brigham Young University BYU Bayou BYU Bob's Your Uncle BYU Bayreuth, Germany - Bindlacher Berg (Airport Code) BYU Beyond Your Understanding ), so her development is crucial. ``We have 11 players back and seven of them are starters, so we should be stronger than ever,'' coach Donna Lee Donna Lee is a bebop jazz standard itself based on the chord changes of the traditional jazz standard "(Back Home Again in) Indiana".[1] It is named after the now-obscure bassist Donna Lee. said. Hart graduated almost every key contributor, but the Indians' reputation looms large; they should be good enough to beat everyone except Valencia. Senior Nicole Delfino, an all-league third baseman who batted .284 with 14 RBI RBI abbr. Baseball runs batted in Noun 1. rbi - a run that is the result of the batter's performance; "he had more than 100 rbi last season" run batted in , moves to catcher. Junior Erica Duhart (.263, six RBI) is a top second baseman second baseman n. Baseball The infielder who is positioned near and to the first-base side of second base. Noun 1. second baseman - (baseball) the person who plays second base second sacker . ``It's a different team than last year. The first thing we'll learn is, can they play?'' coach Cathy Giordano said. ``We lack experience, so that's what we're working on.'' Right-hander Robyn Kontra, a sophomore, is the prime pitching prospect. She had an 0.88 ERA in eight innings INNINGS, estates. Lands gained from the sea by draining. Cunn. L. Dict. h. t.; Law of Sewers, 31. last year. ``This team has everything to gain. We know what we have to do,'' Kontra said. Saugus (13-10) starts the season without ASA Asa (ā`sə), in the Bible, king of Judah, son and successor of Abijah. He was a good king, zealous in his extirpation of idols. When Baasha of Israel took Ramah (a few miles N of Jerusalem), Asa bought the help of Benhadad of Damascus and All-American catcher Jaclyn Holden, who is recovering from hand surgery. Holden (.519, five home runs, 19 RBI) isn't expected back for at least a month, which is a significant blow. ``We're going to miss Jaclyn. She's a great asset,'' said senior right-hander Megan Ivey, one of three pitchers along with senior Christian Gilman and sophomore Tyla Sullivan. ``Everyone else just has to step up.'' Burroughs (12-13) features Virginia-bound shortstop Sara Larquier (.355, nine stolen bases) and junior center fielder Ryanne Hodgins (.385, 13 stolen bases). ``When Sara is up to bat, most teams fear her,'' second-year coach Jennifer Gomez said. The Indians also picked up impact transfers Kristin Carr, a catcher, and her sister, Trista, a third baseman, from Burbank. But it will be difficult for Burroughs to emerge from the middle of the pack without a dominating pitcher or more punch in the lineup. Canyon (10-15) welcomes back coach Krista Humphreys, who coached the Cowboys in 1999 and 2000. The team has a solid senior nucleus with right-handed pitcher Noun 1. right-handed pitcher - (baseball) a pitcher who throws with the right hand right-hander baseball, baseball game - a ball game played with a bat and ball between two teams of nine players; teams take turns at bat trying to score runs; "he played Jennifer Henderson, catcher Nicole Lepine and infielder Lauren Tripp. But key center fielder Ashlee Nava, a senior, injured in·jure tr.v. in·jured, in·jur·ing, in·jures 1. To cause physical harm to; hurt. 2. To cause damage to; impair. 3. her knee last week and will be out at least three weeks. Burbank is rebuilding, although senior pitcher Tiffany Tiffany, Tiffanie (UK) a semi-longhaired version of the Burmese cat. It has a fine, silky coat in many colors. Rhoads, junior catcher Kristin Talamantes and senior third baseman Lyndsey Romero are dependable. Rhoads is the top hitter on the team. ``It should be an interesting year. We're moving a lot of people around to see where they'll fit in,'' coach Debby Day said. GOLDEN Quartz Hill (16-10) has plenty of pop in its lineup. The question is, can the Rebels find a pitcher worthy of replacing the departed Kellie Cox, who dominated last season before accepting a soccer scholarship to Cal State Fullerton. Traditionally a slow starter, Quartz Hill will experiment with right- handed pitchers Erica Ricker, a sophomore, along with juniors Brieann Huling and Sara Ely. Perhaps someone will emerge by the time Quartz Hill readies for its annual showdowns with league rival Highland (16-14). Meanwhile, slugging For the baseball statistic, see Slugging average. Slugging is the practice of forming ad-hoc, informal carpools for purposes of commuting, essentially a variation of ride-share commuting and hitchhiking. first baseman Jennifer Curtier, a junior, should benefit from the windy conditions and cozy See COSE. confines con·fine v. con·fined, con·fin·ing, con·fines v.tr. 1. To keep within bounds; restrict: Please confine your remarks to the issues at hand. See Synonyms at limit. of Quartz Hill's home field. Curtier hit five home runs, batted .378 and had 19 RBI despite a slow start last year, and she's been consistently hitting balls over the fence in Verb 1. fence in - enclose with a fence; "we fenced in our yard" fence inclose, shut in, close in, enclose - surround completely; "Darkness enclosed him"; "They closed in the porch with a fence" 2. practice this season. ``I'm expecting a strong year from her,'' co-coach Coy Ray said. Senior catcher Cassie Corless (.400, 19 RBI) is also a top hitter, along with junior third baseman Nycole Brand (.305) and sophomore center fielder Nicole Means (.265). Also, watch for Shauna Cabriales, a sophomore second baseman, to make an impact. ``The league is the most balanced it's ever been, but we expect to finish in first or second,'' Ray said. Highland must replace three four-year starters - Natalie (shortstop) and Nichole (pitcher) Rawson and catcher Ashlie D'Errico (catcher) - all of whom are playing college softball College softball is softball as played on the intercollegiate level at institutions of higher education, predominantly in the United States. College softball is played by women at the intercollegiate level, whereas college baseball is played by men. this season. But if junior right-handed pitcher Nikki Secrease and sophomore catcher Shannon Deopking develop as expected and senior third baseman Angie D'Errico has another .300 season, the Bulldogs should make a run. ``Every year's a different team and I really do think we'll be OK even with no Rawsons,'' D'Errico said. ``I'm one of two seniors in the lineup and a captain, so I'm definitely in a leadership role this season, and I like that. I like having the responsibility. I think we have a good team with a lot of talent. We're just young.'' Palmdale (12-14-1) and Lancaster have new coaches. Palmdale's Debra DiMeglio and Ray Beltrami replace longtime veteran Gene Speidel. Lancaster's Dean Johnson Dean Elton Johnson (born June 24, 1947) was formerly the majority leader of the Minnesota Senate. He was first elected to the Senate in 1982 and represented the 13th Senate District. replaces Kara Kara (kär`ə), river, c.140 mi (230 km) long, NE European and NW Siberian Russia. It flows N from the N Urals into the Kara Sea, forming part of the traditional border between European and Asian Russia. It is navigable in its lower course. Johnson (no relation). Palmdale senior right-hander Michelle Lee Michelle Lee may refer to:
Littlerock (9-12) hasn't been over .500 during coach Tammy Zimmardi's five-year tenure. But senior right-handed pitcher Carly Fleming is a four-year starter, and several key returnees are in place, so if the Lobos can't win with this group, there isn't much hope. ``It's been kind of rough but I hope it's all worth it this season,'' Fleming said. ``I think I've come pretty far and I have a lot more confidence. I've never lost my spirit. I just like to play.'' Antelope Valley This article is about the Los Angeles County region. For the census-designated place in Wyoming, see Antelope Valley-Crestview, Wyoming. The Antelope Valley (6-18) also has had its problems in recent seasons. Sophomore right-handed pitcher Jamie Parker, the team's best all-around player last year, is back. Also returning is sophomore third baseman Sonia Iturralde, who has moved to catcher, where she was impressive in a scrimmage last week. PACIFIC Can Crescenta Valley The Crescenta Valley is a small inland valley in Los Angeles County, California. Its name derives from its crescent-like shape, with the convex portion facing roughly northeast and the concave portion southwest. of La Crescenta prevail despite the graduation of Meredith Cervenka, one of the best pitchers in Valley-area history? That's the pressing issue for the Falcons. ``Well, everyone's back except Meredith,'' coach Dan Berry said with a shrug. ``The team should be faster and stronger, and the defense and offense should be superior to last year.'' Right-handed pitchers Kris Franks, a senior, and Sarah Sherman, a junior, are prime prospects. Franks was 1-0 but has built a strong enough reputation to sign a scholarship with Azuza Pacific. Sherman pitched Glendale Little League to a 16-under national championship during the summer. ``We'll be great no matter what. We just have to keep working,'' said Sherman, who batted .356 with 13 stolen bases and a team-high 17 runs as the team's leadoff hitter In baseball, a leadoff hitter is a batter who bats first in the lineup. Strategy Leadoff hitters must possess certain traits to be successful: they must reach base at a proficient rate and be able to steal bases. last year. Seniors Melanie McCauley (third base) and Tami LeBreche (shortstop) are among the league's best. McCauley, who batted .250 but had a .339 on-base average with nine sacrifices last year, has committed to Long Beach State. LeBreche (.267) has a solid club reputation. Hoover of Glendale (13-14) and Glendale (13-16) should be improved. Watch for Hoover sophomore right-hander Anna Schnitger to make a name for herself after winning nine games and striking out 159 in 129 innings on the JV last year. She has solid support in senior shortstop Daisey Barcena, sophomore catcher Michelle Summers and senior left fielder Xiomara Ferretti (.339), all of whom were second-team all-league selections last season. Glendale pitcher Heather Hamasaki, a junior right-hander, is a solid three-year starter. Junior third baseman Danielle Soule, sophomore shortstop Priscilla Lopez Priscilla Lopez is an American singer, dancer, and actress. Born on February 26, 1948 in the Bronx, Lopez has the distinction of having appeared in two Broadway landmarks - one of its greatest hits, the highly-acclaimed, long-running A Chorus Line and junior catcher Sara Ramirez all played for Glendale Little League's championship team last summer. MISSION Chaminade of West Hills (18-8-2) is the team to beat because of right- handed pitcher Christina Lupacchini, one of the San Fernando San Fernando, city, Argentina San Fernando (săn fərnăn`dō), city (1991 pop. 144,761), Buenos Aires prov., E Argentina. It is a district administrative center in the Greater Buenos Aires area. Valley's best. The hard-throwing senior, 16-7 with an 0.63 ERA and 15 shutouts, doesn't have quite the supporting cast she had last year. But senior Tory Yamaguchi, who has committed to Indiana, is as solid as any catcher in the region, and fellow seniors Shannon Barceloux (center field) and Erin Malloy (second base) should provide stability. ``We're really young but we're coming together awesome,'' Lupacchini said. ``It's going to be a good year.'' Coach Donna Scott is Chaminade's third in three years. She's hoping junior left fielder Elizabeth Trent, sophomore first baseman/pitcher Veronic Barth, freshman third baseman Kim Weinstein and freshman second baseman Kim Milkovich can contribute. Notre Dame Notre Dame IPA: [nɔtʁ dam] is French for Our Lady, referring to the Virgin Mary. In the United States of America, Notre Dame (20-8) is an annual 20-game winner, but most of the Knights' best players are underclassmen. The biggest question mark: Will freshmen right-handers Rachel Barraza and Katie Lovejoy prove capable replacements for four-year standout Amanda De La Cerda? On the plus side, sophomores Cori Blanton, a shortstop, and Megan Hayes, a left-fielder, proved themselves with solid seasons last year. Junior catcher Katy Wilkins is another key returnee re·turn·ee n. 1. One who returns, as from a journey or to school after a long absence. 2. A person returning from military duty overseas. See Usage Note at -ee1. . Harvard-Westlake of Studio City (9-16) looks to rebound from last year's surprisingly underpar performance. Before last season, Harvard-Westlake had advanced to the quarterfinals or better for three consecutive years. A key is Elena Ferrero, a senior pitcher/first baseman who's among the Southland's best all-around players when healthy; last year Ferrero played injured for most of the season, and the Wolverines couldn't pick up the slack. Ferrero, who has committed to Boston College Boston College, main campus at Chestnut Hill, Mass.; coeducational; Jesuit; est. and opened 1863. Actually a university, the school's Chestnut Hill campus comprises colleges of arts and sciences and business administration, the graduate school, and schools of nursing , pitched a shut out against Westlake in a scrimmage last week. Harvard-Westlake also has a talented pitcher in sophomore right-hander Shelly Madick, a transfer from Calabasas. Seniors Kat Cooper, a third baseman, and Abby Krall, a shortstop, are the other top returnees. Senior-heavy Flintridge Sacred-Heart of La Canada (14-9) could challenge. Junior right-handed pitcher Adrian Herlache, who beat Chaminade 1-0 last year, returns after pitching nearly every inning in·ning n. 1. a. Baseball One of nine divisions or periods of a regulation game, in which each team has a turn at bat as limited by three outs. b. innings (used with a sing. last season. Caroline Huigar, a senior catcher, was an all-league selection a year ago, and seniors Natalie Harrison (center field) and Colleen col·leen n. An Irish girl. [Irish Gaelic cailín, diminutive of caile, girl, from Old Irish. Krause (shortstop) are also solid. Alemany of Mission Hills returns senior Kaitlin Reiss, a four-year standout who moves from shortstop to center field because she plans to play center field at Wisconsin next season. Junior Amanda Rodrigue will fill in at shortstop, and senior right-hander Christi Sotelo returns as the starting pitcher Noun 1. starting pitcher - (baseball) a pitcher who starts in a baseball game baseball, baseball game - a ball game played with a bat and ball between two teams of nine players; teams take turns at bat trying to score runs; "he played baseball in high school"; . Once one of the area's most feared teams, the Indians have softened in recent seasons. Perhaps new coach Regina Hernandez can make a difference. Most of Louisville's best players are sophomores - never a good sign - so the Royals of Woodland Hills must develop in a hurry if they want to keep pace. ``We've got an outstanding defensive team. We're going to hold our own,'' coach Dana Vasquez said. ``We have good pitching and need to be consistent on offense.'' MARMONTE As usual, the league is filled with exceptional teams. But Thousand Oaks Thousand Oaks, residential city (1990 pop. 104,352), Ventura co., S Calif., in a farm area; inc. 1964. Avocados, citrus, vegetables, strawberries, and nursery products are grown. (26-5) and Westlake (16-6) should emerge on top, and Moorpark (19-13) also could contend. Defending Division II-champion Thousand Oaks graduated three NCAA NCAA abbr. National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I-bound starters along with standout pitcher Nicole Angelo. But the Lancers lanc·er n. 1. A cavalryman armed with a lance. 2. A member of a regiment originally armed with lances. 3. lancers (used with a sing. verb) a. A kind of quadrille. b. have an impact transfer in pitcher Mandi Kilionski from Simi Valley Simi Valley (sē`mē, sĭm`ē), city (1990 pop. 100,217), Ventura co., SW Calif. in an oil, fruit, and farm region; laid out 1887, inc. 1969. , who will be eligible on March 28, nine games into the season. Kilionski, a right-hander, was one of the league's best players as a freshman two years ago. Meanwhile, sophomore right-hander Megan Spehar is capable after going 5-1 with a 0.82 ERA and three shutouts last year. ``We've got four tournament games and five league games before Mandi is eligible, and those league games will be very crucial so we've got to hang in there,'' coach Gary Walin said. ``Kilionski is a power pitcher In baseball, a power pitcher is a pitcher who relies on the velocity of his pitches, sometimes at the expense of accuracy. Power pitchers usually record a high number of strikeouts and statistics such as strikeouts per 9 innings pitched are common measures of power. with a good riseball, and Megan throws a lot of different pitches with good movement on all of them.'' Senior shortstop Jenny Cochran, who batted .349 with 37 at-bats after missing the first two months last year, is among the region's best. She has committed to Temple. Westlake sophomore right-handed pitcher Michelle Rehm, among the area's best underclassmen a year ago, should carry the Warriors. Fellow sophomores Stephanie Savre, a first baseman, and Ashley Jones Ashley Jones (born September 3, 1976 in Memphis, Tennessee) is an American television soap opera actress from Memphis, Tennessee She rose to fame on the long-running CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless , a second baseman, also figure to make an impact. Savre is a power hitter who batted .300, and Jones was a first-team all-league selection. Moorpark right-handed pitcher Tara Barker, a senior, is a solid veteran who was 10-8 with a 0.37 ERA and four shutouts last year. All-league senior third baseman Michelle Wilette moves to catcher. ``We've got 12 seniors, and a lot of us have been playing together since we were 10 years old. I think that's the answer,'' Barker said. ``We've been working hard and I think we're going to be pretty strong.'' Newbury Park (20-11) and Simi Valley (12-14-1) also might contend. Newbury Park senior right-hander Chrissy Zappia was dominating last year with a 9-4 record, 0.54 ERA, nine shutouts and 118 strikeouts in 102 innings. But she took some time off instead of playing travel ball during the offseason, and coach Lynn Baum said Zappia needs to work herself back into shape. ``Chrissy a little rusty but she could still get a scholarship,'' Baum said. Junior Robyn Wike was the league's defensive player of the year as a third baseman but moves to catcher because the Panthers have no one else. Junior Sarah Scott Sarah Scott, née Robinson (September 21, 1720 - November 3, 1795) was an English novelist, translator, and social reformer. Her father, Matthew Robinson, and her mother, Elizabeth Robinson, were both from distinguished families, and Sarah was one of nine children who is a solid second baseman, but otherwise Newbury Park is mostly composed of new faces. Simi Valley, an annual playoff contender until last season, never recovered after Kilionski transferred. The Pioneers hope to regroup re·group v. re·grouped, re·group·ing, re·groups v.tr. To arrange in a new grouping. v.intr. 1. To come back together in a tactical formation, as after a dispersal in a retreat. with a young lineup featuring sophomore right-handed pitcher Chanel Roehner, junior catcher Heidi Knabe, junior shortstop Nicole Gutierrez and senior center fielder Lisa Modglin. Royal (11-8) hopes for a turnaround after starting quickly, then fading during league competition last year. But finishing among the top three won't be easy with one senior, first baseman Amber Mills. Junior right- handed pitcher Kirstie Kenton needs consistent performances, and junior catcher Lauren Allen and promising freshman shortstop Andrea Ramirez are ones to watch. CITY SECTION WEST VALLEY After nearly two decades of domination, El Camino Real El Camino Real (Spanish for The Royal Road or The King's Highway) was the name of a series of pre-automobile highways linking the various New World colonies of Spain:
``We lost key starters to graduation. Our success will be determined by pitching and offense,'' second-year coach Lori Chandler said. ``The kids need to step up and execute and work for everything we want out of this season.'' Birmingham of Van Nuys (22-10), which won the Invitational in·vi·ta·tion·al adj. Restricted to invited participants: an invitational golf tournament. n. An event, especially a sports tournament, restricted to invited participants. Adj. 1. championship last year, will give chase. Shortstop Valerie Montenegro, who coach Jim Rose Jim Rose may refer to a number of persons:
``We should be strong with eight returning starters, and if we play as a team we should have a better season than last season,'' coach Jim Rose said. ``Until someone beats El Camino Real, they're No. 1. But their string of 17 consecutive league titles could end.'' Granada Hills (17-6) returns right-handed pitcher Kat Walsh, who impressed as a freshman last season. Seniors Christine McKenna (second base) and Miki Mayorga (catcher) are also back, along with junior Samantha Johnson (shortstop). Chatsworth (7-15) has a new coach, Ed Parker This article or section needs sources or references that appear in reliable, third-party publications. Alone, primary sources and sources affiliated with the subject of this article are not sufficient for an accurate encyclopedia article. , who likes returning senior right-hander Cassie Shires, calling her one of the best in the San Fernando Valley San Fernando Valley Valley, southern California, U.S. Northwest of central Los Angeles, the valley is bounded by the San Gabriel, Santa Susana, and Santa Monica mountains and the Simi Hills. . Six starters return, including power-hitting junior first baseman Morgan Canon and senior shortstop Becca McIntire. Taft of Woodland Hills and Cleveland of Reseda are the others. SUNSET SIX Verdugo Hills of La Tujunga (24-4-1) has dominated for several consecutive seasons but have never advanced past the second round of the Championship playoffs. This year, the Dons have ambitiously upgraded their nonleague schedule - Saugus, San Pedro and Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks have been added, and they'll also participate in the Daily News and Hart tournaments - in a quest to move to the next level. If ever Verdugo Hills had a chance, this is the year. Top pitchers Danielle Burch (11-1, 1.03 ERA), a senior right-hander, and Jessica McGiviney (11-3, 1.19 ERA), a junior right-hander, return. Junior center fielder Laura Hovestreydt (.516, three home runs, 16 RBI, 26 stolen bases) is an elite player. Plus, Verdugo Hills has added impact transfer Dena DePompa, an All- Southern Section Division V catcher at Village Christian of Sun Valley last year. DePompa batted .395 with one home run, 22 RBI and 14 stolen bases for Village Christian. Others in the league are a cut below, but perhaps Poly of Sun Valley (11-12) can make the playoffs. The Parrots feature six returning starters, led by catcher Roseanne Frias (.365, 36 RBI), third baseman Rosio Rincon (.372, 31 RBI) and Bernise Sandoval (.639 on-base pct., 15 stolen bases). ``Verdugo Hills is the team to beat. The rest of the league is up for grabs,'' Poly coach Manny Manny may refer to: In nobility:
Grant of Van Nuys (2-13) hasn't finished better than .500 since coach Todd Sanders arrived four years ago. Sophomore Carla Arreola, a shortstop, returns after batting close to .500 last year. But the Lancers lack depth, and if a pitcher doesn't emerge, they could be in for another long year. North Hollywood, led by returning seniors Rebecca Fogel (catcher) and Kersti Shea (third base) and junior right-hander Barbar Reguengo, are among the chasers searching for respectability. ``We're looking all right. I just haven't had much time to spend with the team,'' North Hollywood coach Julie Gracia said. VALLEY MISSION Kennedy of Granada Hills (12-10) and San Fernando are the class of the league. For Kennedy to succeed, senior standout Kristin Cookson must make the transition from center fielder to pitcher. Cookson, a right-hander, batted .410 with two home runs, 20 RBI and a .692 slugging percentage In baseball statistics, slugging percentage (abbreviated SLG) is the most popular measure of the power of a hitter. It is calculated as total bases divided by at bats: last year, but she has never thrown a pitch in three seasons. ``I've always known Kristin can pitch. She can do it,'' Kennedy coach Barbara Rodrigue said. Senior shortstop Alissa Villanueva, a switch-hitter, batted .434 and scored 23 runs and stole seven bases as a leadoff hitter last year. Junior catcher Antoinette DaSilva is another to watch. San Fernando (19-10-1) returns three-quarters of its infield - junior first baseman Olga Hernandez (.369), second baseman Julie Jimenez (.274) and sophomore shortstop Christina Jimenez (.316) - along with junior catcher Lorena Arreguin (.365). Julie Jimenez also was 6-2 with a 1.28 ERA as a pitcher. Coach Peter Bernal is high on freshman right-handed pitcher Selena Salazar. ``I think we're the favorite in the Valley Mission League,'' he said. Monroe of North Hills should be improved, and annual contender Sylmar is rebuilding. Reseda and Van Nuys round out the league. AROUND THE REGION Small-schools powers Oaks Christian of Westlake Village (26-5-2), Paraclete of Lancaster (22-4) and Village Christian of Sun Valley (21-5) return ace pitchers; those three schools should stand tall with anyone, regardless of size. Oaks junior right-hander Ashlee Freeman had an outstanding season last year - 26-5, 428 strikeouts, 0.25 ERA - but figures to split time with junior right-hander Sara Radabaugh. ``I'm actually happy about that because it will relieve some pressure,'' Freeman said. ``Plus, I'll have a chance to play other positions, maybe shortstop.'' Paraclete senior right-hander Sara Gonzales (22-3, 0.19 ERA, six no- hitters), who has committed to Wisconsin, must carry a young team. If she gets enough support, the Spirits should hold off the Alpha League's Village Christian, led by sophomore right-hander Lauren Nydam (16-4, 0.36 ERA). L.A. Baptist of North Hills (8-13) is an outsider, but junior pitcher Katie Gustaveson, who throws 66 MPH, should get plenty of strikeouts. ... In the Tri-Valley League, La Reina La Reina (Spanish: "The queen") is a commune of Chile located in Santiago Province, Santiago Metropolitan Region. It consistently ranks in the top five communes with the best quality of life in the Metropolitan Region. of Thousand Oaks (16-10), led by senior shortstop Tracey Clark, is a top program. Junior KC Robertson (11-7, 0.95 ERA), a 6-foot-2 right-hander, should dominate. In the Pacific View League, pitcher Chanel Tripp returns for Rio Mesa of Oxnard (21-7), and that should be enough to hold off an improved Camarillo team. Tripp, a right-hander head for Cal, was 20-4 with 282 strikeouts, 13 shutouts and a 0.16 ERA as a junior. Camarillo has several young pitching prospects (notably sophomore right-hander Sarah Dorr) and impact transfer Krystle Chamberlain (center fielder) from Calabasas. Plus, freshman first baseman Dee Ann Young, sister of major-league baseball player Dimitri, has loads of promise. ... La Canada (24-3-1) has won 30 consecutive Rio Hondo Rio Hondo may refer to:
Shortstop Natalie Kula Kula can refer to: Geographic locations
Calabasas is bracing bracing, n a resistance to the horizontal components of masticatory force. for a difficult season in the Frontier League The Frontier League, based in Troy, Illinois, is a professional, independent baseball organization located in the Midwestern United States and Western Pennsylvania. It operates mostly in cities not served by Major or Minor League Baseball teams and is not affiliated with either. because the Coyotes' two best players, pitcher Shelly Madick and outfielder Krystle Chamberlain, transferred. ... Junior catcher Lauren Grossman should have another solid season for Delphic League hopeful Campbell Hall Campbell Hall can refer to:
The Vikings will chase league mate Montclair Prep of Van Nuys (15-8), which returns junior center fielder Brandy Hawkins (.468, 25 stolen bases). Plus, freshman right-handed pitcher Kirsten Slober throws 66 mph, according to according to prep. 1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians. 2. In keeping with: according to instructions. 3. co-coach Greg Reece. Faith Baptist of Canoga Park (19-12-1) should again rule the Heritage League. Perhaps returning All-Southern Section threesome Devina Quintero (pitcher), Amy Rudolph (second base) and Ivette Hernandez (shortstop) can deliver the first section softball softball, variant of baseball played with a larger ball on a smaller field. Invented (1888) in Chicago as an indoor game, it was at various times called indoor baseball, mush ball, playground ball, kitten ball, and, because it was also played by women, ladies' title in the school's 38-year history. ... Desert Christian of Lancaster (10-7) returns two of its best players, sophomore shortstop Mackenzie Smith (.417) and junior pitcher Amanda Wolfenstein (10-5). But the Desert Mountain League belongs to longtime power Boron boron (bōr`ŏn) [New Gr. from borax], chemical element; symbol B; at. no. 5; at. wt. 10.81; m.p. about 2,300°C;; sublimation point about 2,550°C;; sp. gr. 2.3 at 25°C;; valence +3. , which has won 100 league games in a row. The Bobcats (20-3) will rely on senior infielders Becky Sheasley and Jessica Love and senior outfielder Emma James. ... Bell-Jeff of Burbank (4-11) of the Camino Real League has just six victories over two seasons. Perhaps catcher Theresa Reyes (.450, one home run, 16 RBI) can spark a turnaround. ... And finally, Malibu (0-15) of the Frontier League has a modest goal. The Sharks want to win a game, something they've failed to do two years in a row. Daily news TOP 10 1. VALENCIA 26-5 Vikings will rock on with Rocco. 2. THOUSAND OAKS 26-5 Counting days until Kilionski is eligible. 3. CRESCENTA VALLEY 26-2 Start of BC era (bye-bye Cervenka). 4. PARACLETE 24-4 Sizzlin' Sara ready for more strikeouts. 5. RIO MESA 21-7 What a Tripp. Chanel is Ventura County's best pitcher. 6. CHAMINADE 18-8-2 Will Lupachinni's back hold up? She must carry team. 7. OAKS CHRISTIAN 26-5-2 Freeman has fancy pitches - and a fancy Lexus. 8. LA CANADA 24-2-1 Has won 30 league games in a row. 9. HART 25-5 Mostly new faces ... but still Hart. 10. WESTLAKE 16-6 Young but high-powered. DATES TO REMEMBER Today: Southern Section season starts April 6: Daily News Victory Spring Classic pool play at Hjelte Sports Complex in Encino April 13: Daily News Victory Spring Classic championships at Hjelte Sports Complex in Encino May 2: City Section regular season ends May 6: City Section playoffs begin May 10: Southern Section regular season ends May 15: Southern Section playoffs begin May 21: City Section Championship/Invitational finals at UCLA UCLA University of California at Los Angeles UCLA University Center for Learning Assistance (Illinois State University) UCLA University of Carrollton, TX and Lower Addison, TX May 31/June 1: Southern Section championships at Barber Park in Irvine June 10: Daily News All-Star Game An all-star game is an exhibition game played by the best players in their sports league. The players are often chosen by a popular vote of fans of the sport and the game often occurs at the halfway point of the regular season, although this is not the case for some all-star games at Glendale Sports Complex CAPTION(S): 3 photos, 10 boxes Photo: (1) BEST OF BEST The region's top players: Front row, from left, Ashlee Freeman of Oaks Christian; Chanel Tripp of Rio Mesa; and Tori Rocco of Valencia. Back row, Jaclyn Holden of Saugus; Elena Ferrero of Harvard-Westlake; Sara Gonzales of Paraclete; and Christina Lupacchini of Chaminade. (2) Angie D'Errico of Highland (3) Pauline Morquecho of Birmingham Box: (1) Daily News TOP 10 (see text) (2) DATES TO REMEMBER (see text) (3 -- 10) FORECAST |
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