by RudeDog » Thu Feb 28, 2013 3:18 pm
Pre-Season CalHiSports Poll (For What it's worth)
Norco 31-2
According to head coach Rick Robinson (the 2012 Cal-Hi Sports State Coach of the Year), replacing Emily Lockman in the circle will be junior Kristen Voller, who pitched on the JV level last year with a 19-1 record, along with freshman Kerisa Viramontes, who already has committed to Loyola Marymount. The Cougars aren’t as loaded in the outfield as they are in the infield (see above), but it’s not bad, either. Junior centerfielder Amanda Sandoval (a Cal Poly San Luis Obispo commit) leads that group.
Edison (Huntington Beach) 26-5
The Chargers are one of those teams that did suffer some significant graduation losses (Casey Africano, Jessica Plaza) but are getting a fairly high preseason ranking because they have one of the state’s top pitchers coming back. As a junior, Samantha Cordova pitched almost every inning with a 25-5 record and a 0.88 ERA. Among the other returnees, watch out for sisters Karley Wester (senior outfielder) and Aly Wester (sophomore infielder).
Los Alamitos 23-7
If the Griffins had not lost sisters Andi and Alex Formby to Mater Dei of Santa Ana due to a move and transfer, they would have probably been in the top three or four in the state to start the season. Still, coach Rob Weir and his staff should have one of the top squads in Southern California. Seven starters are back, led by all-state underclass infielder Megan Geer (Tennessee), outfielder Erika Crissman (Indiana State) and third base Alex Finie (Loyola Marymount). Los Al coaches also really like the idea of experienced catcher Rachel Sellers (University of Pacific) handling up-and-coming sophomore pitchers Katie Neary and Taylor Covington.
Mission Viejo 24-6
A team that included two highly regarded freshmen last year won the title in the competitive South Coast League, battled Norco tough in a 1-0 loss and also beat Los Alamitos. Those freshmen – pitcher Taylor McQuillin (an Oklahoma State commit who had a 0.80 ERA and a 23-5 record) and infielder Alyssa Palomino (who hit seven homers and had a .469 average) – are back as sophomores and make the Diablos a team to watch this season.
Saugus 22-8
With teams such as the Centurions, along with Valencia, Canyon and Hart, the CIF Southern Section’s Foothill League is traditionally one of the toughest three or four leagues in the state. Last year’s team at Saugus was state-ranked at times and had just three seniors on the roster. Among the returnees is all-state underclass Alanna Layton, who won 13 games as a pitcher and had seven homers with 32 RBIs as a hitter. Others back include outfielder Diana Mendoza (.356, 24 runs scored) and shortstop Rachel Shotzberger (25 RBIs).
Mater Dei (Santa Ana) 17-10
With the addition of sisters Andie and Alex Formby, who have transferred from Los Alamitos, the Monarchs become a top 20 team to start and could quickly rise in the rankings as the season goes along. The Formby sisters, both juniors, pitch and play first base. Andie was regarded as one of the state’s top sophomore pitchers last season. Coach Doug Myers has several other key returnees, led by infielder Nicolette Udria, who hit almost .400 as a junior.
Just to name a few...............
"Even if you are on the right track you will get run over if you just sit there." ~ Will Rogers