PREP SOFTBALL 1992: SMALL SCHOOLS

Whittier Christian

1991 RECORDS: OVERALL: 13-8 LEAGUE: 10-4

COACH: RECORD AT SCHOOL Bill Pate: 41-26

RETURNING STARTERS YR. POS. B-T Cristin Crigler Jr. SS R-R Deborah Goddu So. P R-R Shelly Thums Sr. 1B-3B R-R Summer Silva Sr. CF R-R Danielle Monarrez Sr. RF R-R

OTHER TOP RETURNERS YR. POS. B-T Lisa Spraggins Sr. C-1B R-R Nicole Monarrez Sr. 2B R-R Christy Washburn Sr. OF R-R

TOP NEWCOMERS YR. POS. B-T Khristie Fuzell So. OF R-R Cherice Mousseau So. C R-R Jana Pedraza Jr. P R-R

OUTLOOK

The Heralds got hot in the playoffs last year, advancing to the Southern Section Division 1-A semifinals after a second-place league finish. With two of the top players in Division 1-A back, Whittier Christian figures to be a top contender for the league championship this season. “I feel this team is as good or better than last season’s,” said Pate, in his fourth year as Whittier Christian’s coach. “We’ve got more speed and more pitching this year.” The Heralds also will have more of Crigler and Goddu, both of whom earned all-Southern Section honors last year. Crigler, who hit .347, was a first-team choice at shortstop, while Goddu was a second-team pitcher after posting an 11-1 record with three no-hitters as a freshman. Thums is the Heralds’ top returning hitter (.440), and will play first and third. The outfield should produce runs for the Heralds as well, with Silva (.295) and Monarrez (.300) back. The Heralds don’t have varsity experience at catcher, but Pate believes Whittier Christian should be a solid defensive team.