Softball: Now or never

Joseph Boo

COSTA MESA - For Costa Mesa High’s softball team, it is time to

step up to the plate and the team knows it as the 2000 season approaches.

The Mustangs return six starting seniors from last year’s team, and none

of them has experienced a CIF playoff game. For them, this season is

their last chance and a sense of urgency surrounds preseason practices.

“This year, everybody’s pulling it together,” Costa Mesa Coach Sharon

Uhl, who coached previously at Estancia, and replaced Jim Weeks, said.

“They know this is their last chance to make the playoffs.”

This has led to better practices and hopefully for Mesa, better results

than last year’s 5-20 finish.

“They’re getting a lot better,” Uhl said. “Our assistant coach said

they’re already a lot better than last year. The girls are saying they’re

already better at the start of this season than at the end of last year.”

One of the six returning seniors is Brooke Shanley, who is the Mustangs’

ace pitcher. A second-team All-Pacific Coast League and All-Newport-Mesa

District selection last year, she is also one of the team’s more powerful

hitters.

The Mustangs’ other pitcher is junior southpaw Tess Lindsay. She also

provides a good left-handed bat when needed.

The entire infield, except the catcher, returns from last year’s team.

Shortstop Kelly Daub and third baseman Michelle Nguyen were second-team

All-PCL and all-district last year. Senior Kaite Chapman is at first base

and Nicole Spunaugle is a good-hitting second baseman.

Mesa’s experience is most evident on defense, which Uhl considers the

team’s strength.

The catcher is junior Jamie Klimkiewicz, who is also a left fielder.

Center fielder Lacey Ferris is the linchpin of the outfield. Ferris was a

second-team all-league pick for Uhl at Estancia.

The last outfield spot will rotate between junior Fernanda Velasco and

sophomore Kary Schneider. Juniors Erica Melcer and Britney Newby will

also see time in the outfield.

Sophomore Laura Ramos is a utility player who can fill in anywhere.

Junior infielder Cara Molter is Mesa’s fastest player and has Uhl

excited.

“We have a lot of speed,” she said. “Cara is a lefty and really fast.”

With this collection, Uhl feels a CIF playoff spot is not only possible,

but probable. All the Mustangs have to do is finish in the top three in

the PCL.

“Our experience and determination to go to CIF are our keys,” she said.

“I really think we can go this year.”

Roster

Kaite Chapman Sr.

Kelly Daub Sr.

Lacey Ferris Sr.

Jamie Klimkiewicz Jr.

Tess Lindsay So.

Erica Melcer Jr.

Cara Molter Jr.

Britney Newby Jr.

Michelle Nguyen Sr.

Laura Ramos So.

Kary Schneider So.

Brooke Shanley Sr.

Nicole Spunaugle Sr.

Fernanda Velasco Jr.