Softball: Sailors poised for dramatic improvement

Tony Altobelli

The easiest way to climb a steep mountain is with a running start

and for the Newport Harbor High softball team, the same can be said about

scaling the snow-capped peaks of the Sea View League.

“Aliso Niguel is one of the top teams in all of Orange County, as is

Laguna Hills,” Newport Coach Jess Martinson said. “Plus, you got

Woodbridge and Irvine always in the thick of it.”

According to Martinson, you can add Newport Harbor to that list of

teams in the hunt, despite last year’s 0-8 league finish (9-15 overall).

“I think we got a shot just as much as anyone else,” Martinson said.

“We’ve got eight returning kids and we’ve got a talented, young group.

Included in that talent pool are returning Daily Pilot Dream Teamers

Lisa Huntington, Kim Moore, Amanda Campbell and Athena Vasquez.

Huntington, a second-team All-Sea View League choice last season was a

defensive standout at catcher in addition to her .275 batting average.

She will see action in a number of positions and will be counted on for

senior leadership.

“She can pitch, catch or even play third or second base,” Martinson

said. “She’s a year-round player and she’s one of our top athletes.”

Vasquez (.269, 10 RBIs), Moore (7-2, 1.15 ERA before league) and

Campbell (.295, 12 RBIs) give the Sailors not only experience but

tremendous hope for the future, considering they are all sophomores.

“We played Aliso Niguel tough last year,” Martinson said. “They beat

us with a run in the last inning and this was a team which went three

rounds into the playoffs. We need a good start in nonleague and to carry

that momentum into league.”

Newport Harbor High Softball

Bailey Beardon So.

Amanda Campbell So.

Stephanie Ciralli So.

Sabrina Couch So.

Shelby Crisp So.

Lisa Huntington Sr.

Ashley Miller Sr.

Kim Moore So.

Brianne Parmeter Jr.

Alizabeth Pfeifer Jr.

Athena Vasquez Sr.

Coach: Jess Martinson