Mustangs’ Topps shines with stars

Steve Virgen

Throughout the past two years at Costa Mesa High, senior Ann Marie

Topps was known for her hitting.

So, perhaps it was fitting that her read-and-react ability, not

only at the plate but along the base paths, helped lead the American

team to a 5-0 victory over the National squad Tuesday night in the

Orange County Coaches All-Star softball game at Barber Park.

Topps, who led the Mustangs with 11 home runs and a .507 batting

average this past season, went 1 for 2, which included an RBI single

in the American’s pivotal four-run second inning.

She also scored a run and helped her teammate gain a hit because

of her baserunning.

For the National team, Newport Harbor senior Athena Vasquez also

displayed seasoned reaction when she slid to glove a groundball while

playing second base, which led to one of her four assists she made.

Vasquez played three innings, the fourth through the seventh. The

game went nine innings and the Nationals could not answer the

American’s four-run second inning.

“This game was a lot of fun,” said Vasquez, who will play for

Wisconsin next year. “There are a lot of girls that I play with or

against in travel ball. Just being out here was a great honor, even

though it gets us losing the game.”

Topps, bound for the University of Oregon, said she also enjoyed

herself during the all-star game. As she was leaving the dugout a

coach hugged her.

“I’m glad I had the chance to coach you,” said El Modena Coach

Steve Harrington, an assistant on the American squad.

Topps smiled and said, “This was so much fun.”

Topps drove in the American’s first run. She sent a groundball

over second base and into center field. That scored Mater Dei’s

Sheree Zaleski. After Topps’ hit, the National team made a pitching

change.

Topps advanced to second on a pass ball, and with two out she

helped Sonora’s Jeanie Baca reach safely after her ground ball to

National shortstop Kendra Singley of Woodbridge.

Topps flinched toward third base and froze Singley. Before Singley

could make a decision Baca made it to first and Topps slid back to

second. The American team followed with two more hits, leading to

three runs.