Linerud leads Panthers in chase for softball title

By Dick Sparrer

Shannon Linerud is ready.

And so are Nicole Roussere and Priscilla Soria.

The three Presentation softball veterans are ready to make a run at the championship in the rugged Mt. Hamilton Division of the Blossom Valley Athletic League and go after a Central Coast Section championship in 2002.

Linerud is back for her fourth varsity campaign for the Panthers, Roussere is a three-year varsity veteran and Soria is back for her second season. And the three seniors figure to lead the squad this spring.

Linerud is the key to the Presentation season. She was the freshman, sophomore and junior of the year on Mt. Hamilton all-league teams, and she was named the junior of the year in the CCS last season.

"With [Linerud] on the mound and hitting third, we should go deep into the CCS playoffs and battle for the league title," said Ray Malley, back for his fourth season as the Presentation head coach.

Linerud plays shortstop when she's not pitching, and she's joined on the infield by newcomers Mikaela Gillette, a freshman third baseman; Leanna Guillermo, a freshman first sacker; Angela Guajardo, a sophomore shortstop; and Jamie VanderSande, a freshman second sacker.

"We could start three freshmen and two sophomores in the infield," said Malley. "This is a team that you want to play early, not late after these youngsters get experience under their belts."

With Roussere in center and Soria in left, Presentation has experience in the outfield. Sophomore Rosie Diodate is another top young prospect in the outfield.

Sophomore Ashley Callaway is a varsity veteran returning at catcher for the Panthers. Junior Allison Shrader is another top prospect behind the plate.

Junior Melissa Dudley is a top-notch utility player who could see action on the infield or in the outfield for the Panthers. Senior Tina Renner, sophomore Franchesca Fairanacci and freshmen Genny Munoz and Brittni Mariachi are other top Presentation players.

Linerud, Gillette and Roussere figure to share the pitching chores for the Panthers this spring.

It was Gillette doing the pitching when the Panthers opened the league season with a 3-0 win over Piedmont Hills last week. Gillette whirled a 5-hit shutout to lead Prez to the victory.

Linerud homered and tripled to drive in two of her club's three runs in the win.

The Panthers, 3-6 for the year, had beaten Salinas 2-1 earlier in the week on a 4-hitter by Gillette.

Linerud tripled for Presentation, but it was a two-run single by Gillette in the sixth inning that broke a scoreless tie and lifted the Panthers to the win.

Around the Glen

Carl Heintze: Remembering infantrymen

Cafe Primavera under new management, changes name to Siena, A Mediterranean Bistro

Sports Briefs

High school sports

High school softball

Siehl earns honors at Charlie Miguel Tournament