Monrovia has made its runs over the years in baseball and softball. The 2011 baseball team faces the challenge of trying to win a sixth consecutive Rio Hondo League title and the softball team hopes its current group of young players are ready to start a new run of their own.
Baseball
The Wildcats went 22-4 last season under coaches Dave Moore and Brad Blackmore and lost in the second round of the CIF-Southern Section Division IV playoffs.
Find out what's happening in Monroviawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
They will officially open their season Saturday in the Arcadia Elks Tournament.
Senior Nick Bueno, the reigning Rio Hondo League Most Valuable Player, returns and will start at shortstop.
Find out what's happening in Monroviawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Senior catcher Adrian Velasco and senior third baseman Jairo Jiorge are also both returning all-league players.
“It’s looking very promising,” Moore said. “Our biggest question mark is experience on the mound.”
Sophomore Chris Burkholder is going to be expected to be the ace of the Wildcats’ pitching staff.
He will get help from junior Kevin Shue.
The Wildcats also hope to count on senior second baseman Luis Mercado for a big season.
Junior Karl Daniels is expected to be a leader in the outfield.
“It’s hard to tell with the new bats,” Moore said of the all schools must use this year. “Nobody knows what will happen.”
Softball
After being down the last few seasons, 11th-year coach Randy Medina is hoping a young group of players can bring his program back to how things were from 2004 to 2007 when the Wildcats won four straight Rio Hondo League titles.
Last season Monrovia went 11-12 and was 4-8 in league, which included an upset win over league champion La Cañada.
The Wildcats open the season Saturday in the Downey Tournament.
“We’re excited. Everyone is competing for a spot every game,” said Medina, who is carrying 17 players on his varsity squad. “The girls are diving at practice. It’s a good atmosphere.”
Medina has a solid group of freshmen that will blend in with a few senior leaders.
Senior first baseman Schae Simpson is a returning all-league player as is senior catcher Kelly Williams.
Freshman Adrienne Guerra is expected to take over the pitching duties and will be assisted by senior Emmy Orozco, a transfer from South Hills.
“She’s a placement ball pitcher,” Medina said of Guerra. “She can put it in the zone with consistency. She has a good work ethic. We have players behind her that will make teams play (us tough).”
Medina is also excited about freshmen outfielders Shelbi Zernickow and Elise McCarthy, who figure to start in left and center field, respectively.
Freshman Samantha Saucedo is a utility player who Medina said could play in a number of spots for the team.
“La Cañada is still the team to beat and San Marino has their strong pitcher,” Medina said of the Rio Hondo League race. “I think we have a shot to challenge those teams for some close games.”
