Softball: Estancia has a big hole to fill

Joseph Boo

COSTA MESA - It seemed as if all of Costa Mesa held its breath to

see if Joanna Danner would pitch this year for Estancia High’s softball

team. And the answer unfortunately, is no, she’s not playing, so the

Eagles have a big pair of softball cleats to fill this year.

As a sophomore last year, Danner pitched four no-hitters, including one

perfect game, earned the Newport-Mesa Softball Player of the Year honor,

and led the Eagles to a 15-9 record and their first postseason appearance

since 1992.

After a brief stay at Pacific, Danner transferred back to Estancia, sans

softball.

Danner is not the only loss for Estancia. The Eagles are only returning

six players from last year’s team, giving first-year coach Jenny Hart a

difficult task of shaping a new team out of inexperienced players.

“We’re a young team,” she said.

One veteran who Estancia will rely is senior Debra Wyman, who teamed with

Danner to form Estancia’s starting pitching duo. She also has a potent

bat and will play centerfield when not pitching.

Senior Lauren Cassity, Estancia’s star basketball player, will provide

some offensive pop in left field. Senior Sarah Hess will roam right

field.

Teaming with Wyman on the mound is senior Melissa Friel, who played JV

last year. She has the daunting task of replacing Danner’s spot in the

pitching rotation. Nevertheless, pitching should be one of Estancia’s

strength.

“They’re looking alright,” Hart said about her two pitchers. “The thing

is, everyone’s gonna have to pull together so the pitchers are not the

team.”

The offense from the team is a question mark so far. That is expected

from a young team with three freshmen, and should come into its own later

in the year. But the defense, especially the infield, already looks

solid, according to Hart.

“I’m not going to worry about it,” she said.

The infield is made up of senior Helen Flores at third, junior Stefanie

Cachola at shortstop, senior Sarah Chaisson at second and freshman Laura

Morton at first base.junior Alisha Tanielu is the catcher, and freshman

Gaby Acosta will also see ample time as the backstop.

JeNea Gudvagen, Vivian Laopantrak, Karina Ruiz and Rebecca Zenus round

out the varsity squad.

Roster

Gaby Acosta Fr.

Stefanie Cachola Jr.

Lauren Cassity Sr.

Sarah Chaisson Sr.

Melissa Friel Sr.

Helen Flores Sr.

JeNea Gudvagen Jr.

Sarah Hess Sr.

Vivian Laopantrak Fr.

Laura Morton Fr.

Karina Ruiz Sr.

Alisha Tanielu Jr.

Rebecca Zenus So.