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Get on board with Extra Inning Softball’s regular feature, The Last Inning.
We are scouring the Internet and Social Media and keeping our ears to the street for the latest going on in the softball community.
To contribute information, insights, thoughts or content ideas, email us at [email protected]. You can also send items/story ideas to Carlos Arias via email at [email protected] or via Twitter @Los_Stuff.
Here’s our TLI for Friday, Feb. 14, 2020… Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone!
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EXTRA INNING SCOUTING REPORT
With the 2020 high school softball season approaching, TLI will be taking a look at some of the top teams in the country with the Extra Inning Scouting Report.
TLI went to the Trinity League media day at Mater Dei High of Santa Ana, CA, on Tuesday to talk to all of the league’s coaches and star players.
Today TLI will take a look at JSerra Catholic of San Juan Capistrano, CA, which is led by Katie Stith, the daughter of OC Batbusters chief Mike Stith who is in her second year as the Lions head coach. JSerra went 12-12 overall and 2-6 in the Trinity League in Stith’s first season and the Lions believe they have the talent to reach the playoffs in 2020.
Let’s get to the Extra Inning Scouting Report of …
JSERRA CATHOLIC
Check out this video with Coach Stith and her team…
Top Returners:
- Jaden Hill (2020, MIF)
- Alison Steinker (2020, 3B/SS, .434 avg, 30 RBIs, 12 2Bs)
- Sarah Shaw (2020, 1B, .396 avg)
- Taylor Caudill (2020, P)
- Paris Schwalbe (2021, CF/P, .568 avg)
- Hollie Farmer (2022, 3B, .360 avg)
- Willa Poplawski (2022, OF/P)
- Priscilla Gillies (2021, OF/C)
Top Newcomers:
- Alexis Soto (2021, C, Calvary Chapel High of Santa Ana, CA, transfer)
- Kealani Caster (2023, OF)
- Cameron Burroughs (2023, P)
- Katherine Fonseca (2023, UT)
What will it take for your team to be successful this season? We will need to maintain a healthy team, especially in the circle and behind the plate. As a staff, we are counting on our offense to produce a lot of runs, which will be important so we can take a little pressure off our pitching staff. I am confident our team chemistry will continue to be a strength for us. If the athletes continue to challenge one another and continue to raise the bar for what they want to accomplish, they will be able to do big things.
Who is your No. 1 pitcher and what can you tell me about her skills? Who else could see some time in the circle? Taylor Caudill returns as out primary pitcher. She is a senior who is committed to Boise State. She throws hard but is able to effectively mix speeds and planes. She attacks the zone and is a tremendous leader for the Lions in the circle. The Lions have depth with sophomore returner Willa Poplawski and newcomer Cameron Burroughs — both will be seeking time in the circle. Paris Schwalbe will also be ready if called. She is a junior center fielder who will be ready to step in the circle if called upon.
What can we expect from your offense? Our lineup is loaded with power. I am really excited about our hitters and I am expecting us to put quite a few runs up this season. We have one slapper in Priscilla Gillies and six returning power hitters who are looking to have a big season.
Did you pick up any impact transfers or did you lose any players to transfers? Alexis Soto is a big pick-up for us. She will likely be a starting catcher for us and also provides us with an additional bat in the middle of the lineup.
Who are the potential All-Section/All-District/All-State players on your team? Taylor Caudill, Paris Schwalbe, Ali Steinker and Alexis Soto.
Signed and Committed Players: Jaden Hill, Columbia; Ali Steinker, Northern Colorado; Taylor Caudill, Boise State; and Alexis Soto, Liberty.
*** To read the rest of today’s The Last Inning, scroll down below…