SOFTBALL PREVIEW SPEIR TRIES TO PEEL OFF NEXT LAYER AT A.V. SUCCESS FOR ANTELOPES SOFTBALL TEAM HAS BEEN SLOW BUT STEADY.Byline: Gerry Gittelson Staff Writer LANCASTER - For 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 High 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' coach Kristi Speir, success is coming in layers. She's in her third season, and her expectations are expanding. In 1998, for instance, her main goal was mere survival because the talentless Antelopes won just four games. Last season, with an influx of freshman starters, the girls went 11-12 and didn't embarrass embarrass /em·bar·rass/ (em-bar´as) to impede the function of; to obstruct. em·bar·rass v. To interfere with or impede (a bodily function or part). themselves against powerful Golden League adversaries Quartz Hill and Highland, both consistent 20-game winners. Now, after Tuesday's 15-10 victory over respectable Rosamond, maybe Antelope Valley (1-1) can go .500 or better. Speir certainly wouldn't complain. ``We're just trying to win the games we can win and do the best we can against the tougher teams,'' said Speir, whose realistic assessment is like a breath of fresh air in this time of early optimism. ``Again, we're really inexperienced in·ex·pe·ri·ence n. 1. Lack of experience. 2. Lack of the knowledge gained from experience. in with a lot of freshmen and sophomores, so I have to be realistic. It just takes awhile a·while adv. For a short time. Usage Note: Awhile, an adverb, is never preceded by a preposition such as for, but the two-word form a while may be preceded by a preposition. . Against Quartz Hill, our goal is not to get 10-run ruled.'' The softball playoff divisions are based on enrollment, not league affiliation, which is a good thing for Antelope Valley. Like league-mate Littlerock, the Antelopes are a Division III
Division III (or DIII) is a division of the National Collegiate Athletic Association of the United States. team. Highland is Division I, Quartz Hill Division II. So, Antelope Valley might reach the postseason for the first time in recent years. ``I think making the playoffs always has to be one of your goals, and if we can beat Littlerock this year, it'll be important,'' she said. Unfortunately, Antelope Valley, which travels to Silverado in Victorville for a nonleague game this afternoon, lacks experienced pitchers - a big problem in softball. Kelly Bleyl, who pitched 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 year, graduated and is now playing for Lynn University  This article or section is written like an .Please help [ rewrite this article] from a neutral point of view. Mark blatant advertising for , using . in Boca Raton Boca Raton (bō`kə rətōn`), city (1990 pop. 61,492), Palm Beach co., SE Fla., on the Atlantic; inc. 1925. Boca Raton is a popular resort and retirement community that experienced significant industrial development in the 1970s and 80s. , Fla. However, senior Cristina Huerta, a converted center fielder, threw six strong innings INNINGS, estates. Lands gained from the sea by draining. Cunn. L. Dict. h. t.; Law of Sewers, 31. in a 2-0 loss to Foothill of Bakersfield. Sophomore Amanda Mathias, a first-team All-Golden League catcher last spring, is the No. 2 pitcher. The infield is young but respectable. Sophomore Traci Nolte, who batted .360 in the second half and was named second-team all-league last year, returns along with sophomore Tiffany Tiffany, Tiffanie (UK) a semi-longhaired version of the Burmese cat. It has a fine, silky coat in many colors. Minor. Speir, who hasn't been afraid to cut returning starters in the past, is hoping discipline might make a difference. ``I don't tolerate attitude,'' she said. ``They'll run if they make mistakes, and they'll show up on time for practice and on time for the bus. It's my way, or it's not gonna happen.'' The coach proved she means business this week. When heavy rains rendered the practice field unplayable, she scheduled indoor sessions. ``That was kind of a big shock,'' she said. ``They thought that if it rained, we wouldn't have practice. Of course we do - we practice rain or shine.'' ON THE RISE Antelope Valley High softball coach Kristi Speir is hoping her team will continue to improve: 1998: 4-20 record 1999: 11-12 This season: 1-1 KEY RETURNEES Christina Huerta, Sr.: Excellent defensive center fielder who moves to pitcher this season. Threw six strong innings in opening 2-0 loss to Foothill of Bakersfield. Batting .400 this year. Amanda Mathias, Soph.: First-team All-Golden League catcher last year. Batted .500 in league, .475 overall. Might pitch this season. Traci Nolte, Soph.: Filling several positions after making second-team all-league as freshman infielder. Batted .360 in league last year. Tiffany Minor, Soph.: Good to have around because she can play every infield position and she's seeking to improve as a hitter after batting .200 last season. CAPTION(S): photo, box Photo: (color) SPEIR Box: ON THE RISE (see text) |
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