Pitching Key as Softball Playoffs Near : Teams Are Depending on Their Hot Hurlers Rather Than on Just Big Bats Alone

As the high school softball season nears its midpoint, 10 teams are looking strong, with others fighting to stay in playoff contention.

So far, the City Section teams that have played well include South Gate, Garfield, Roosevelt, Fremont, Bell, Eagle Rock, Wilson, Crenshaw, Washington and the Los Angeles Center for Enriched Studies, or LACES, a representative of the new Magnet Conference.

The Magnet Conference, formerly the Magnet League, includes Bravo, Downtown Business Magnet and Westside Alternative. The Magnet Conference winner will automatically qualify for a 3-A playoff berth. The playoffs are scheduled to begin May 9.

The City Section playoffs are divided into 3-A and 4-A Divisions. There are six playoff divisions in the Southern Section.

Here is a look at 22 City Section and four Southern Section teams. Each team’s league or conference record reflects games played before Friday.

SOUTHERN PACIFIC CONFERENCE

Washington (1-5): A rugged conference schedule has made things tough for the Generals lately. Washington, which defeated Narbonne in a key conference game March 29, has been led by Christie Rome, Tracy Roye, Chewitia McDowell, Neya Gilliam, Wendy Ayhllon and Lisa Carter. “We feel we can play with any team, just as long as we want it more,” said Coach Jim McElroy.

Dorsey (0-6): The Donnas’ chances hinge on the development of pitchers Tawana Monroe, Judy Carter, Wendy Flores and Tyesha Beckett and the defensive leadership of outfielders Dasina Horne and Cherylynn Heard, but time could be running out. “It’ll take time for things to develop,” said Coach Glenda Pepin, whose team has defeated Bravo and Hamilton this season but suffered conference losses to Carson, Banning, San Pedro and Narbonne. “Our tough schedule should make us better.”

Crenshaw (2-4): The Cougars, coached by Frank Price, have have picked up steam in conference play and could challenge Washington and four-time Southern League champion Gardena for the league title. Crenshaw has received big offensive contributions from several players, including outfielder Latinthia Patton, pitcher Erminda Young, third baseman Nicole Nettles and center fielder Tamika Thompson.

SOUTHEASTERN CONFERENCE

South Gate (5-0): With a standout pitcher and a defense that has surrendered an average of three runs in their first five conference games, the Rams have gained strength under fourth-year coach Gary Cordray. Two-year varsity starter Yvonne Arizaga, who struck out eight batters in a 3-2 win over Roosevelt in March, is one of the City’s top pitchers. South Gate has a good group of hitters, including seniors Zulma Fernandez, Ericka Remedios and Roxanne Carvajal.

Garfield (5-0): The Bulldogs are averaging 14 runs a game in conference play and have one of the area’s best batteries in pitcher Alma Limon and catcher Jennifer Inzunza, both seniors. Garfield, the defending Eastern League and Southeastern Conference champion, probably has enough depth and experience to go beyond the first round of the playoffs, where it lost to Westchester last year. “Our defense is doing a good job,” Coach John Benson said.

Roosevelt (3-3): The Roughriders have a good nucleus of experienced players: shortstop Hilda Perales, catcher Rachel Alvarez and center fielder Jennifer Elizondo, who will attend MIT on an academic scholarship. Other contributing players include sophomores Denise Beltran, Nancy Hernandez and Ava Miranda.

Jordan (3-3): Despite their record, Coach Ed Kamiyama’s Bulldogs proved to be one of the conference’s toughest teams when they gave powerful South Gate a scare before falling 7-3 on March 27. Junior pitcher Veronica Mendez is the key to a solid defensive nucleus that includes junior first baseman Victoria Gutierrez, sophomore shortstop Adriana Neria, junior center fielder Jessica Orosco, senior third baseman Patty Ayala and junior catcher Maggie Villegas, who adds power.

Bell (3-2): The Eagles concede nothing. Against South Gate on March 20, Bell sophomore catcher Alejandra Jimenez stole three bases, including home; senior first baseman Maggie Soto got three hits, and freshman pitcher Gloria Jimenez scored twice in the Eagles’ tough loss. Coach Mario Caldevilla’s team, which faces Jordan, Fremont and South Gate in upcoming home games, are still in the hunt for a playoff berth.

Fremont (2-3): The Pathfinders have gotten their strongest contributions from five seniors, including pitcher Shatana Smith, first baseman Lourdes Diaz, center fielder Aisha Savage, right fielder Flora Correa, left fielder Vanessa Quijada and junior catcher Elizabeth Sevilla. “Our hitting and pitching are coming around,” said Coach Tom McDonnell.

Huntington Park (3-2): The Spartans are working to find the right combination, but they have plenty of courage. Huntington Park’s key players so far are third-year varsity standouts Sandra Mendoza, Debbie Montez and Monica Comparan. Leadoff hitter Christine Guzman, a junior, and senior Elendy Garcia also contribute. “It hasn’t been easy, but we’re playing with a lot of heart,” said Coach Veronica Nichols. “The girls don’t give up.”

Locke (0-6): The young Saints are struggling in a rugged conference. Senior pitcher Donna Dumas has split time between the mound and running track. Otherwise, senior third baseman Yolanda Johnson and sophomores Adrianne Barre, Roxanna Rivas, Virginia Lopez, Lawanda Jones and Nana Afrifa are trying to keep Locke afloat. “It’s been tough, but the girls are very enthusiastic,” Locke Coach Jeff Menard said.

Jefferson (0-5): The Democrats are perhaps the youngest team in the local area. First baseman Jenny Mariaga, pitcher-shortstop Veronica Machaca and utility player Margarita Salcido are junior starters. First baseman Gina Rosas is a sophomore. “Most of the players are freshmen and sophomores, but they are making progress in learning the game,” Jefferson Coach Marjorie Crutchfield said.

NORTHERN CONFERENCE

Wilson (2-3): The Mules appear to be improving with every game. Pitcher Chris Espinoza, third baseman Myra Garcia, second baseman Maria Rodriguez and center-fielder Christen Rancon are helping Wilson create a tight race for the Northeast League title. “We can do well if we keep on improving,” said Coach Tom Lunetta.

Franklin (2-3): The Panthers could challenge Eagle Rock and Verdugo Hills for the Northeast League title through the offense of center fielder Vanessa Sanchez (.390) and pitcher Angie Barraza (.420). Sophomore catcher Veronica Mirales is making progress behind the plate and with the bat. Franklin is also receiving lots of defensive help from shortstop Teresa Cardona, second baseman Candy Padilla and first baseman Laura Prieta. “We’re a young team, but our senior experience is helping us mold into a good unit,” said Coach Paul Arriola.

Lincoln (2-2): The Tigers’ league title chances hinge on the performances of pitcher Lynn Chi, catcher Melissa Zamora and leftfielder Gloria Garcia. Lincoln’s offensive output also comes from Sonya Reyes, Clara Garcia and Marlen Sepulveda.

Belmont (0-5): The Sentinels hope their player can mature quickly. Pitcher Maritza Cristales and catcher Nancy Garcia, who recently hit a grand slam in a loss to Eagle Rock, are keys to Belmont’s goals. “The kids have been working hard,” Belmont Coach Virginia Moliterno said. “We have the talent.

Marshall (1-4): The Barristers are in the second phase of a rebuilding project. The development of promising sophomore pitcher Marina Guzman, junior pitcher Veronica Ortega, left fielder Jamie Hernandez, shortstop Maria Isaza and three-year varsity standout Eva Rodriguez will be a key factor as Marshall heads into league play. “We’re hoping our pitching can improve as we play,” said Coach Wendy Triplett.

COASTAL CONFERENCE

Manual Arts (1-5): The young Toilers have been taking their lumps. Senior pitcher Verity Flowers and center fielder Diamentina Reyes are the team leaders. Freshmen Laura Olivares, Eva Villagomez and Lillian Ramos are Manual Arts’ hope for the future. “We’re gradually improving by working hard every day,” Manual Arts Coach Angel Zavala said.

Los Angeles (0-6): Most of the Romans’ journey through the Coastal Conference has been tough, but it has helped Los Angeles mature this season. The Romans are led by their only senior, pitcher Norma Palacios. Los Angeles has several promising underclassmen, including first baseman Erica Gomez. “This is a building year for us, but I’m not disappointed,” said first-year Coach John Davis.

MAGNET CONFERENCE

LACES (4-0): The Unicorns, who averaged 17 runs a game in their first six contests, are off to a good start in conference play. LACES’ key players include senior pitcher Tricia Tsu and freshman pitcher Tritia Nishikawa, who struck out 14 batters against Jefferson. Junior Janee Washington and sophomore Araceli Gonzalez patrol the outfield. “I hope we can keep this up. The kids are doing a good job so far,” Coach William Turner said.

BRAVO (2-1): The Knights, the defending Magnet League champions, will try to repeat by playing solid defense to help an inexperienced pitching staff. BRAVO is led by juniors Christine Flores, Genevieve Galvan, Maria Olivo and Edith Gonzalez and seniors Chaunice Williams and Evelyn Aguilera. “We need to improve our pitching, but our defense is good and our offense is coming along,” said Bravo Coach Susan Rodriguez.

Downtown Business Magnet (1-2): The Bulldogs are young but talented. DTBM’s youth movement is led by sophomore pitcher Christina Novoa, sophomore utility player Erin Strause and junior shortstop Grace Plascencia.

SOUTHERN SECTION

Loretto-Bishop Conaty, Sunrise League (2-1): This will be a learning year for the Wildcats, who are led by senior pitcher Angie Murillo, junior catcher Sabrina Vargas and shortstop Erika Castaneda. Freshmen Legreta Ching, Cindy Jerez and Alejandra Villaescusa also show promise.

St. Michael’s, Sunrise League (1-1): This will probably be the last time the Starlets will compete as a softball team. The school will reportedly merge with Regina Caeli in Compton in the fall. For now, St. Michael’s will rely on the leadership of seniors Toya Fenroy and Kori Simmons and junior pitcher Angelica Ruiz.

Pilgrim, Heritage League (0-1): The Patriots, in their first season of softball competition, will try to be competitive this year. Seniors Dawn Fields, a basketball standout, Greta Eckert and Toni Washington will help give Pilgrim some offensive punch.

Bell Gardens, Almont League (0-2): The Lancers have a good mixture of experience and youth. Three seniors, pitcher Gloria Torres, catcher Cynthia Fernandez, shortstop Candy Carillo, and junior third baseman Cecelia Gonzalez form a solid nucleus in the infield.