SGV/Whittier Prep Sports Zone: SOFTBALL PREVIEW: La Mirada, California (Free Preview)
The Matadores and Condors project to being the top teams in the area in 2025.
Montserrat Reyes-Cardenas (Photo: La Mirada Softball)
La Mirada High School
Coach: Brent Tuttle
Previous Season Record: 20-6-2
Number of Returning Players: 14
Number of All-League Players Returning: 6
Number of Returning Infielders: 4
Number of Returning Outfielders: 3
Number of Starting Pitchers: 2
Key Infielders Returning
Amanda Urbina 12th, 5'5" Shortstop 23' League MVP (injured last season) 2023 D1 All CIF, signed with Oregon
Angelyna Conde 12th, 5'5" 3rd Base, 23' All League (injured last season) Signed with Texas Tech
Alyssa Avila 12th 5'4" 2nd Base, 24' All-League, Uncommitted
Reese Hilliard 10th 5'8"Utility 24" All League
Key Outfielders Returning
Angelina Ratzlaff 12th 5'1" LF, 24' All-League, Uncommitted
Angelie Kennedy 12th, 5'7" CF, Signed with Harding University
Key Starting Pitchers Returning
Monsterratt Reyes-Cardenas 12th, 5'5" 2024 League MVP, 2024 D1 All CIF, Signed with San Diego State
Alison Ortega 10th 5'9"
Key Catchers/Designated Hitters Returning
Riley Hilliard, 10th 5'9" Catcher (injured last season)
Top Newcoming Players/Transfers
Juliana Rivara 9th 5'9" catcher/1st base will have a big bat
Coach Tuttle commented: “Very seasoned team, and we should be solid on both sides of the ball. Need to stay healthy and things will be fun at the end. The league will be tough with CIF champ Gahr and the rest of the league. Hoping to be playing well when the league comes around and compete for our 7th straight league title.”
2024 Schedule
CRYSTAL BALL: To say that this team is poised for a big year is an understatement. There are not many holes on this team, making them a serious contender to win the sectional title in Div. 1. Reyes-Cardenas, a San Diego State commit, was solid in the performance we saw against JSerra in the playoffs. Her fastball averaged between 59-62 MPH. The Hillard sisters grade highly in their defensive positions. Kennedy and Ratzlaff will provide veteran leadership in the outfield. Urbina (Oregon Commit), Conde (Texas Tech commit), Avila, and Reese Hilliard will comprise a very strong infield. Throw in Riley Hillard (projected to be the best catcher in the area); all the ingredients are there for a tremendous season. See you in Irvine, Matadore fans!
California pitcher Alexis Salas (Escarcega)
California High School
Coach: Sal Padilla (First Year)
Previous Season Record: 28-5
Number of Returning Players: 12
Number of All-League Players Returning: 3
Number of Returning Infielders: 2
Number of Returning Outfielders: 3
Number of Starting Pitchers: 2
Key Infielders Returning
Mia Martinez Sr
Isabella Salas Sr
Key Outfielders Returning
Jessica Gurule Sr
Amaya Vasquez Sr
Lauren Trevino Sr
Key Starting Pitchers Returning
Priscilla Ramirez Sr
Alexis Salas Jr
Key Catchers/Designated Hitters Returning
Hailey Chavolla C
Shirley Acevedo DP
2024 Schedule
CRYSTAL BALL: It’s a season of transition for Condor fans as Sal Padilla takes over as the head coach of the team from Jason Ramirez. Don’t look for a lot of changes. Six of the nine players in the starting lineup in their CIFSS D2 championship game against Gahr are back. The missing parts are significant, though, as Hernandez, Vasquez, and Gil are no longer on the roster. Another potent 1-2 punch in the circle for Condor fans with the return of Ramirez (Long Beach State) and Salas (New Mexico) will make life miserable for opponents in Del Rio. Shirley Acevedo, the “Queen of Swat,” is back and should return to her normal spot as 4th in the lineup. Martinez (Portland St) brings a solid glove and bat to the table. Gurule is a “sleeper” that can significantly impact any game. Vasquez is a considerable presence at the bottom of the lineup card. The loss of Hernandez to Boise State is enormous because of her speed in the outfield and on the offensive part of the game. Look for this team to contend with La Serna for the Del Rio League title - we’ll tab this team as the favorite.
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