THIRSTY FOR VICTORIES PALMDALE'S FRESH, YOUNG TALENT HOPING FOR REVERSAL OF FORTUNE.Byline: Gideon Rubin Staff Writer PALMDALE - The Palmdale 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' team will try to end a drought that has kept them from the playoffs since 2000 and from a Golden League title since 1997. ``It would definitely mean a lot,'' Palmdale coach Deb DiMeglio said. ``I think it would be great for these kids to make the playoffs, and I think it would get them excited for next year.'' Despite its recent struggles, Palmdale, which tied for last place in league last season, is going into the season with a sense of optimism it hasn't had in several years. The team's nucleus nucleus, in physics nucleus, in physics, the extremely dense central core of an atom. The Nature of the Nucleus Composition is young enough to be able to look to the future, and talented enough to challenge for a league title. ``I'm really excited,'' sophomore catcher Rebecca Zapata said. ``I think we're going to be better this year.'' Zapata, who was a first-team all-league selection as a freshman last season, is one of several reasons the team is optimistic op·ti·mist n. 1. One who usually expects a favorable outcome. 2. A believer in philosophical optimism. op . Projected to bat third, Zapata hits for power and average, is a standout defender and has demonstrated impressive leadership skills, especially considering her age, DiMeglio said. Another plus for Palmdale compared to last season is significantly improved pitching depth. The staff is led by sophomore Johanna Ilejay, an all-league honorable mention last season, who has good control and varies speeds well. Ilejay, who's projected to bat leadoff lead·off n. 1. An opening play or move. 2. One that leads off. lead  off , takes advantage of her
ability to put the ball in play with above average speed.
``She makes things happen,'' DiMeglio said. Junior Ashley Thomas Ashley Thomas is the name of a fictional character in ITV's soap opera Emmerdale. He is played by John Middleton. About Ashley The character Ashley Thomas is vicar of Emmerdale. , Palmdale's No. 2 pitcher, is also an excellent defensive shortstop. Junior Ann Dexter dexter /dex·ter/ (deks´ter) [L.] right; on the right side. dex·ter adj. Of or located on the right side. , last season's junior varsity junior varsity n. Abbr. JV A high-school or college team that competes in interschool sports on the level below varsity. Noun 1. MVP (Multimedia Video Processor) A high-speed DSP chip from Texas Instruments, introduced in 1994. Officially introduced as the TMS320C80, it combines RISC technology with the functionality of four DSPs on one chip. , gives the Falcons added pitching depth, but will primarily play first base and the outfield. Palmdale's outfield is anchored by senior Lillian Martinez, a defensive standout who will play center. Outfielder Kristine Gutierrez, senior infielder in·field·er n. Baseball A player assigned to the infield. Noun 1. infielder - (baseball) a person who plays a position in the infield Catrina Ramirez, senior outfielder/pitcher Stephanie Friedman and junior corner infielder Nicole Enriquez, have significant varsity experience. Sophomore infielder Holly Kurzon and sophomore catcher/outfielder Erin Lindsey will be counted on to contribute as well. Both players are up from the junior varsity, which finished third last season with a 5-5 record. DiMeglio said she's emphasizing fundamentals and defense in preparation for league play. She believes that lapses in those areas, which she attributes in part to inexperience Inexperience See also Innocence, Naïveté. Bowes, Major Edward (1874–1946) originator and master of ceremonies of the Amateur Hour on radio. [Am. , contributed to the team's struggles last season. Although not expected to contend with consensus league favorites Quartz Hill and Highland, Palmdale's expectations are higher this year, and that's given players something to work toward. ``It's been a while since we've made the playoffs,'' Zapata said. ``It would be great if we made a comeback.'' Gideon Rubin, (818) 713-3607 gideon.rubin(at)dailynews.com AT A GLANCE Team: Palmdale softball Coach: Deb DiMeglio, third year Last season: 6-18, 2-8; tied for fifth in Golden League Top returnees: Rebecca Zapata, So., C; Johanna Ilejay, So., P; Ashley Thomas, Jr., P; Lillian Martinez, Sr., CF. Top newcomers: Ann Dexter, Jr., P; Holly Kurzon, So., 1B/3b; Erin Lindsey, So., C/OF/1B. CAPTION(S): photo, box Photo: Palmdale's top players include, from left, Rebecca Zapata, Johanna Ilejay, Lillian Martinez and Ashley Thomas. Joel P. Lugavere/Special to the Daily News Box: AT A GLANCE (see text) |
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