Friday, May. 16, 2008

Traveling team starts for softball

Tigers begin second year of 16 and under, 14 and under traveling teams

For the second year in a row, Los Baños' softball traveling team will give girls 16 years old and under the chance to perfect their game.

And while some of the teammates are perfecting their game for the Tiger high school varsity or junior varsity teams, others are just coming onto Tiger territory as freshman for the 2008-2009 school year.

"We have three 8th graders that are starting here (Los Baños High School) next year," coach Charlie Pikas said. "And some of the girls are moving up from the 14 years old and under team from last year."

Out of the 16 girls on this year's team, 10 of them were moved up from the 14 and under team, Pikas said.

Pikas said, along with coaches David Mendez, Ed Monroe and Ryan Smith, they plan to get the girls ready for the high school program by challenging them with a tough schedule for the summer.

"While we want them to do well on this team," Pikas said, "I also want them to see what is expected on the varsity team for the high school.

Pikas has been coaching the traveling team since its start last year, and said he's looking forward to the upcoming season.

Next month, the team will be playing in what Pikas called the "College Exposure Tournament," where the girls will get a chance to be seen by college coaches in the area, something he is grateful each of the girls gets the opportunity to have happen.

Pikas said the team will also have the chance to compete in the American Fastpitch Association softball tournament, as well as the Amateur Softball Association tournament.

"The AFA tournament will be in Stockton next month and we are entered in that after we play the College Exposure Tournament," Pikas said. "But the ASA is something we have to qualify for in order to play. That will either be in Colorado or Wyoming.

"We want to get them into nationals, as well as playing at higher levels so they are better prepared for other teams, including the high school program here," Pikas said.

There was one tryout the girls had to get through in order to make the roster, and Pikas said the girls on the team are very close and he thinks they enjoy playing together.

"It's a group each of them are familiar with," he said, refering to the high school players and the younger traveling team players who each played together previously. "We've added some strong players to the already strong team, which will help us."

Pikas said the Tigers' varsity softball players Kiley Mendez and Brooke Monroe each made the All-League team.

"Kiley (Mendez) on the first team, Brooke (Monroe) on the second," Pikas said. "That helps strengthen our team, as well as their playing."

As for the incoming freshman, Pikas said he has high goals for their field time.

"By playing at a higher level, it gives them a sneak peak at the varsity team's standards if they choose to play for the high school program," Pikas said.

As the traveling team is a self-funded activity, Pikas said he tries to help the girls fundraise in order to pay the required fees.

"We try to keep the fees minimal since they are the ones paying for everything," he said.

Fees aside, Pikas said him and the other coaches simply ask for dedication and a willingness to learn as the team grows.

"We're always trying to get better defensively and keep a consistent offense," Pikas said. "We're especially focused on our offense though; that's where we have the most room to grow."

Enterprise reporter Samantha Salas can be reached at (209)388-6562 or ssalas@losbanosenterprise.com

Enterprise reporter Samantha Salas can be reached at (209)388-6562 or ssalas@losbanosenterprise.com