2011 Softball Preview

The 2011 season began last week for the six local prep softball teams. Below is a capsule look at each.

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Brethren Christian Warriors

League: Academy

Head coach: Jennifer Winford (second year)

Staff: Mike McGinnis (assistant)

2010 record: 9-9

League record/finish: 3-6 (third)

CIF results: Did not qualify

Number of returning starters: 2

Returning players: Kelsey McGinnis (P/IF, first-team all-league, Sr.); Kelsey Bartlett (SS/P, second-team all-league, Jr.); Emily Janio (utility, Jr.); Rachel Swanson (utility, Soph.).

Coach’s outlook: “This year will be a rebuilding season,” Winford said. “We are relying on our pitchers to keep us in games and our returning players to inspire our new athletes.”

Season opener: lost to Huntington Beach, 11-1, Saturday (Costa Mesa Tournament)

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Edison Chargers

League: Sunset

Head coach: Kendra Rosales (sixth year)

Coaching staff: Andrea Harrell; Brittany Hyams

2010 record: 21-8

League record/finish: 7-3 (third)

CIF results: Lost in first round

Returning players: Casey Africano (C/OF, Jr.); Samantha Cordova (P, Sr.); Allyson Hecht (P, second-team all-league, Sr.); Jordan Herman (OF, Sr.); Maddy Hickman (1B, Sr.); Mercedes O’Connor (3B/1B, Sr.); Jessica Plaza (C/1B, first-team all-league, Jr.); Carissa Sherman (OF, Soph.); Katie Shinrock (2B, Sr.); Rachel Vitali (3B/C, second-team all-league, Jr.); Karley Wester, (OF/2B, league rookie of the year, Soph.); Nicole Zapotoczny (SS/OF, Jr.).

Coach’s outlook: The roster is “loaded with talent,” Rosales said, and includes an outstanding duo of Hecht and Cordova. Three seniors, Hecht, Herman and Shinrock, have signed to play college ball next year. “This team’s ability to ‘do work,’ while maintaining great attitudes and smiling faces, is truly remarkable.”

Season opener: def. Yorba Linda, 5-0, Tuesday

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Fountain Valley Barons

League: Sunset

Head coach: Rick Aldridge (first year)

Staff: Tim Rivera

2010 record: 10-15

League record/finish: 2-8 (fifth)

CIF results: Did not qualify

Returning players: Allison Lang (P/1B, Sr.); Cami Khalil (OF, Sr.); Carissa Rivera (P/OF/IB, Jr.); Brenda Bott (C, Jr.); Keegan Saffell (C/1B, Jr.); Mercedes Brito (IF, Jr.); Emily Brucelas (IF, Soph.); Jesse Giese (IF/OF, Soph.); Jordan Aavala (OF, Soph.); Khailey Campos (3B, Soph.); Madi Perez (OF1B/P, Soph.).

Coach’s outlook: The 2011 squad is hard-working, Alridge said. “They are going into every game knowing that they have a chance to win. They are very supportive of each other and believe in the team as a whole. They have set a goal to make CIF and are willing to do whatever it is going to take to make that goal a reality.”

Season opener: def. University/Irvine, 3-0, Saturday (Costa Mesa Tournament)

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Huntington Beach Oilers

League: Sunset

Head coach: Jeff Forsberg (fifth year)

Staff: Rachelle Vadiver; Johnny Martinez; Monica Hanson

2010 record: 16-13-2

League record/finish: 4-6 (fourth, Sea View League)

CIF results: Lost in first round

Number of returning starters: 5

Returning players: Vicky Galasso (C, second-team all-league, Sr.); Sam Santopoalo (OF, Jr.); Raegan Zschach (2B, Soph.); Justice Walker (SS, Soph.); Jillian Martinez (3B/C, Soph.); Nicole Minnicucci (OF, Soph.).

Coach’s outlook: “After losing seven seniors from the 2010 team, three who are starting at Division 1 schools this year, we will be very young in 2011 with one senior and junior,” Forsberg said. “Being back in the Sunset League will have its own challenges but the team has a bright future with a talented group of experienced freshman and sophomores who will contribute this year in key positions and hold their own. Galasso is one the best catchers in Orange County and will be the team leader.”

Season opener: def. Brethren Christian, 11-1, Saturday (Costa Mesa Tournament)

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Marina Vikings

League: Sunset

Head coach: Shelly Luth (20th year)

Coaching staff: Michelle Spencer; Jennifer Schroeder

2010 record: 22-9

League record/finish: 8-2 (champion)

CIF results: Lost in quarterfinals

Returning starters: Sandy Simmons (1B, all-league, all-CIF, Jr.); Jamie Sullivan (2B, first-team all-league, Sr.); Kristen Struett (P/OF, league MVP pitcher, Sr.); Nicolette Lujan (SS, second-team all-league, Sr.); Chloe Kaneko (3B, second-team all-league, Sr.); Amanda Cordeiro (RF, Jr.).

Coach’s outlook: “We should compete very strongly in the Sunset League,” Luth said. “The league is very strong. We have good pitching, hitting and defense. We have five freshmen who are excited to join our squad. Tera Blanco is our freshman pitcher who has been labeled the top incoming freshman in high school softball. We look really strong, however, we have a very tough schedule. It should be very exciting. I’m looking forward to the year.”

Season opener: def. Rosary, 7-0, Friday

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Ocean View Seahawks

League: Golden West

Head coach: Mike McLaughlan (first year)

Coaching staff: Dennis Lupton; Mike Fuentes

2010 record: 17-10

League record/finish: 9-1 (champion)

CIF results: Lost in quarterfinals

Number of returning starters: 7

Returning players: Sarah Craig (C, 1B, first-team all-league, Sr.); Vanessa Cardoza (3B, first-team all-league, Sr.); Celine Fuentes (P/SS, second-team all-league, Sr.); Brittany Hitchcock (P/OF, first-team all-league, Soph.); Kristin Nance (1B, second-team all-league, Jr.); Erika Janson (OF, Soph.); Cassie Baughman (OF, Soph.); Ty Yana Albert (OF, Soph.).

Coach’s outlook: “I think we will be very competitive this year with seven returning players,” McLaughlan said. “Strong hitting and good pitching should take us a long way. “A mixture of returning players and talented freshman should be exciting to watch”

Season opener: def. Cypress, 7-3, Friday