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If experience counts for anything, then coach Joe Gron and his Leland Chargers are set for the upcoming softball season. Gron welcomes back 11 players from last year's team that completed a 17-8 overall record and qualified for the Central Coast Section Division I playoffs. He is anticipating an improvement on last season's 6-8 mark that put Leland in a fifth-place tie in the Mt. Hamilton Division of the Blossom Valley Athletic League.
"We are expecting great things from all members of this team," Gron said. "And we will be very deep off the bench."
The Chargers are solid up the middle with experience and proven talent. Junior catcher Jessica Talaugon and senior pitcher Vanessa Truan return as one of the most productive batteries in the league. In addition to her solid defensive skills behind the plate, Talaugon was an offensive threat in 2005, pounding out 19 hits including five doubles. Truan was durable and consistent on the mound where she hurled 180 innings--all but two for the Chargers. She rang up 225 strikeouts and compiled a very stingy 0.72 ERA. Both Talaugon and Truan were second team all-league selections last season.
Christina Saenz returns for her senior season after being the offensive leader of the Chargers the past two years and being selected as a first team all-leaguer at her shortstop spot last year. Junior Sara Adams returns to second base.
Gron is expecting a pair of seniors, third baseman Ashleigh Adams and outfielder Quianna Sanchez, to make their presence felt in a significant way. Junior left fielder A.J. Huffman is another returning starter.
The outfield has a couple of new faces with Kristen Rorie taking over center while junior Jen Tkach will cover left.
The infield is completed by sophomore Elisa Vye settling in at first. Junior Hannah Duckworth-Lanzo is up from the junior varsity and provides relief in the infield. Sophomore Amy Hakkinen will find action in the outfield and could be a strong contributor with her speed.
"This year has a chance to be very special," Gron said. "All the girls are determined to meet all the goals we set."
The Chargers have their sights set high and hope to contend for a league title this year. Gron also realizes that the league competition is tough and that any team is capable of winning it all.
"I've told them that we are a very good team on paper, but everyone needs to show up every day to work hard," Gron added. "As long as we do that, our unfinished business from last year will take care of itself."
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