PREP SOFTBALL 1992: GARDEN GROVE LEAGUE

Bolsa Grande

1991 RECORDS: OVERALL: 7-14 LEAGUE: 5-9

COACH: RECORD AT SCHOOL Ed Flores: 47-58

RETURNING STARTERS YR. POS. B-T Vivian Alvarado Jr. P R-R Dana Morgan Sr. OF R-R Caren Nicholls Sr. SS L-L Brandie Tantardini Sr. OF R-R

OTHER TOP RETURNERS: None

TOP NEWCOMERS YR. POS. B-T Seleina Aquino Fr. C R-R Abie Valenzuela So. 2B R-R Jamie Wilkes Fr. 1B-P R-R

OUTLOOK

The Matadors finished sixth last season in one of the toughest softball leagues in the county, partly because they had a young and inexperienced pitcher in Alvarado. But Flores sees a lot of improvement in that department from the junior right-hander, who posted a 1.78 earned-run average in 1991. “She’s been taking some pitching lessons and she’s stronger than in past years,” Flores said. Another solid spot for Bolsa Grande is shortstop, where all-leaguer Nicholls is back to anchor the infield. Nichols, a left-hander, batted .367 and made only one error last year. However, she is by far the best hitter the Matadors have, and Flores already knows he’s got to find offensive firepower somewhere. “We have a lot of work to do offensively,” he said. “We are looking to rely on fundamentals of hitting, like slapping the ball or bunting. We’ll have to use our heads.” Tantardini, who batted .208 last year, and Morgan (.183) also return and comprise two-thirds of the outfield. “Defensively, Tantardini and Nichols should help us a lot, and so will Seleina (Aquino),” Flores said. Aquino, though only a freshman, will be the team’s catcher. “She only stands 5 feet 2, but she’s a little powerhouse,” Flores said.