Downey softball teams have high hopes

DOWNEY - Softball season is now in full swing with Downey, Warren and Downey Calvary Chapel competing in preseason and tournament games.The Downey Lady Vikings currently have a 2-2 record, with wins coming against St. Matthias 22-0 in five innings and against El Segundo 10-0 in six innings at the Downey Classic this past weekend. Returning C.I.F. player of the year Anissa Urtez and Alexis Zavala will play key roles as the defending S.G.V.L. co-champs (22-7-1, 9-1) look to pick up where they left off last year. An infusion of young talent must learn quickly to keep pace with the always tough, cross-town rival Warren Bears. Warren, the defending S.G.V.L. co-champ (22-7, 9-1) with Downey, currently has a 2-2 record and split two games at the Cypress tournament this past weekend. Warren lost to California 5-3 in their first game and then defeated Newport Harbor 10-1 in their second game. Warren will depend on standout pitcher Kendall Zarate and Arika Araujo for leadership as the season moves forward. Sophomore Whitney Pemberton will also play a key role for the Bears this season. The Downey Calvary Chapel Lady Grizzlies are currently 4-0 and are the reigning Alpha League champions (18-8-1, 8-0). The Lady Grizzlies defeated Santa Monica 7-0 in their first game at the Downey Classic and then defeated Carson 3-2 in their second game. The Lady Grizzlies defeated the St. Joseph's Jesters 5-3 at St. Joseph's on Tuesday for their latest win. The big three of pitcher Larissa Petakoff (Colorado State), catcher Sydney Colenzo (Cal State Fullerton) and shortstop Bridget Castro (Utah) must play well if the Lady Grizzlies are going to make another run at the C.I.F. Division VI title. Younger players must step up and contribute as well if the Lady Grizzlies expect to have the season they think they are capable of having.

********** Published: March 7, 2013 - Volume 11 - Issue 47