Estancia trying to rebuild

Steve Virgen

Before the Estancia High softball team reached Golden West League

play last season, there was a buzz coming about for the program as

the Eagles earned a 6-1 pre-league record.

The Estancia squad was filled with a great deal of promise, not

just for the season, but for the following year, as the 11-player

roster included four freshmen and two juniors. But the Eagles went

2-10 in the Golden West League and suffered from inconsistency.

This season, it hasn’t gotten much better, as they are off to an

0-3 start and the young players are still growing up. It doesn’t help

that Estancia has had two costly injuries. However, Coach Marc Rodig,

entering his third year, remains hopeful of what his team can

accomplish this year.

“I still expect us to be pretty competitive,” Rodig said. “We play

because on any given day anyone can win. We’re a young team with two

seniors. There is some experience on the team even though we’re

young. The young ones we have are very game savvy.”

Rebecca Kaplan, the team’s shortstop, and Michelle McDaniels are

the team’s lone seniors. This is McDaniels’ first year in softball

and she has been playing first base during the early season.

Two of the team’s top returners, sophomore Muriel Mason and junior

Hilary Ockey, have been nursing injuries. Mason, a first-team

All-Golden West League performer last year, might be out for the

season with a knee injury, while Ockey played in her first game as a

designated hitter when the Eagles lost, 12-7, to Sage Hill Tuesday.

Ockey, who earned second-team all-league honors, sprained her

ankle while competing in club volleyball. Mason also injured her knee

in volleyball.

“We just have to go on,” Rodig said. “We can’t complain. We have a

season to play. Some girls have to step up and take on leadership

roles.

“Mason is very doubtful to return this season,” Rodig continued.

“I don’t see it happening.”

Kaplan’s younger sister, Chelsea, a sophomore, has been pitching

and when she’s not she plays first base. Ockey could also pitch, and

will be the catcher when she is at full strength. Freshman Kiele

Brown has been catching and will most likely go to centerfield when

Ockey is ready.

Another key freshman for Estancia is Josie Flores, who is the

Eagles’ second pitcher. Sophomore Be Diep has been providing an

example of hustle and hard work for Estancia, thus far, Rodig said.

Diep plays in the outfield and was one of the four freshmen last

year, which also included Alison Wyman and Heather Morton.

Rodig will be assisted by Janice Duzey.