PREP SOFTBALL 1992 / EMPIRE LEAGUE : Esperanza

1991 RECORDS OVERALL LEAGUE 6-14 2-8

COACH RECORD AT SCHOOL Cyndi Watson 21-42

RETURNING STARTERS YR. POS. B-T Jessica Franck So. SS R-R Jodi Nevin Jr. 2B-OF R-R Jennifer Thompson Sr. 3B R-R Stephanie Thompson So. C-OF R-R

OTHER TOP RETURNERS YR. POS. B-T Elsa Alvarez Jr. OF R-R Marilyn Becerra Sr. C R-R Christy Childress So. UTL R-R

TOP NEWCOMERS YR. POS. B-T Kristin Bradshaw Fr. P R-R Laura Echolds Fr. 1B R-R Wendy Harrison Fr. OF-DH S-R Tammy Lyon Fr. P-OF R-R Michelle Taylor Fr. UTL S-R

OUTLOOK

In her fourth season as coach, Watson hopes the Aztecs might be at a turning point. They finished in last place the past two seasons. “In the first three years I was just trying to get the kids to work together and like one another,” Watson said. “Even though we lost a lot, they were often by a couple runs. I really see a light at the end of the tunnel now because I’ve got a lot of talent in here.” It’s also a really young team. Of the 13 players on the squad, nine are either freshmen or sophomores. The biggest loss is Tracie Noggle, a first-team, all-league selection who is now playing at Cal State Fullerton. But Watson is especially excited about three freshmen--Bradshaw, Lyon and Echolds--who have extensive experience on summer-league all-star teams. Bradshaw will be the team’s No. 1 pitcher. Lyon, who played varsity soccer this season, will play outfield and backup pitcher, and Echolds will be the first baseman. Taylor and Harrison, who are both switch hitters, should also contribute.