May 2, 2006
SPORTSSoftball finishes strong in prep for tournaments
Currently on a hot streak, the MCC softball team plans to keep their hot play rolling into the regional and national tournaments.
The team is confident in their chances to get through Regionals, which take place May 5-6.
Yet, the team knows the road to success is not an easy one and they need to improve on certain aspects of the game.
DeWight Byron, who is entering his 10th season as head coach of the softball team at Mesa, knows what it takes to win.
“We need to be more consistent at the plate, it takes about a .400 batting average to win at Regionals,” Byron said.
However, this doesn’t mean that the offense doesn’t have its fair share of standout players.
Pitcher Amanda Hess is not only leading the conference in strikeouts but she is also batting close to .400, while freshman Jennifer Salter has belted 13 home runs.
The team is going to need a big performance out of Hess in the tournaments if they want to go far; she has been there go-to pitcher all season, posting an ERA below two with over 200 strikeouts.
The teams MCC will be playing at Regionals are not below average teams as all of them have a chance to win.
“The talent is pretty good, everyone is pretty even, it just depends on who gets hot,” Byron said.
The team doesn’t plan to hold back at Regionals. They feel if they can get hot at the right time they can get through Nationals as well.
“There’s a good chance of winning Nationals if you get by Regionals, (because) the tougher teams are in the regions,” Byron added.
If the women get to Nationals it will give them a confidence boost knowing that the toughest competition is behind them.
The Thunderbirds are a well-balanced team that is split down the middle with freshman and sophomores.
A good mix of talent and leadership could go a long way in determining if the team wins at these tournaments.
According to Byron, the team has “a real good attitude” which will be key in making a run in the playoffs.
And just because some of the players careers at MCC are winding down doesn’t mean its the end of their softball careers.
According to Coach Byron, a few of the players are being looked at by four-year colleges.
Hess, who played at Nothern Iowa University in 2005, recently took a visit to Florida International University and infielder Rhoe Yancy is being looked at by Mississippi Valley State.
The Thunderbirds regular season ended on April 24 with a sweep of South Mountain Community College, winning the games, 10-0 and 2-1.
They are currently second in the ACCAC Division II standings and No.7 in country.
Volume 43, Issue 14. Today is
MCC shortstop Valerie Villela (left) jumps in the air to
avoide a collision with Central Arizona’s Jessica DeFreitas at second
base. DeFreitas was ruled safe as the schools each won a game in the doubleheader
event. Natalie Bajarano (right) fires the ball from home plate in attempt
to pick off a Central Arizona baserunner.
The tie goes to the runner as MCC’s Christina Flores reaches first base
just before Central Arizona’s Antoinette Estrella can bring in the ball.
Jennifer Stalter of MCC begins to slide into second base as Kellie Flanders
of Central Arizona fails to control the ball.
photo by Robert Neal