Gilroy
– It’s hard to believe that Gilroy still has a young softball
team. After all, the Mustangs return nine players from last
year.
Gilroy – It’s hard to believe that Gilroy still has a young softball team. After all, the Mustangs return nine players from last year.
And yet, second-year coach Catherine Hallada lists just four seniors on her 13-girl team.
“Almost every one of the girls was on a club team,” pointed out fourth-year starter Patty Olvera. “Six of us play on the Salinas Wildcats (traveling team). I think we look really strong this year.”
Gilroy has to be strong just to be competitive in the Tri-County Athletic League. With teams like San Benito and Notre Dame, you either field a strong unit or fall far behind.
Olvera returns as the most experienced pitcher from last year’s 15-10 team that lost in the second round of the Central Coast Section playoffs. Lauryn Chris, an all-TCAL performer at second base and the team’s hits leader with 29, brings speed and a good on-base percentage to the top of the order. Third baseman Amanda Tellez looms as a team leader and should hit in the middle of the order with Olvera.
First baseman Angelica Galindo and shortstop Kylie Herrada round out an experienced infield. Brittany Balanesi and Caitlyn Pierotti are experienced catchers. Yolanda Esquival and Jasmine Perez return in the outfield.
“I’m really excited about this team,” Hallada said. “They are ready to play. They worked hard during the winter.”
The Mustangs will not be a team of power hitters. Hallada is looking for singles and doubles, or “small ball.”
“We have a lot of good hitters and we have speed on the bases,” Hallada said. “Most of these girls play only softball and they play together. With so many returning players, the unity is already there. With that as well as the knowledge we got last year, I expect us to do well.”
Olvera is taking a conservative approach as she looks ahead to the season.
“I would like to see us do better than we did in league,” the right-handed hurler said of last year’s 6-6 TCAL mark. “Defensively, we look very strong. If we can hit the way we should, we will do well. I have a lot of confidence about this year.”
