Not since the late 1980’s had Millikan Softball won four consecutive Moore League titles, but that’s where the Rams find themselves entering the 2025 campaign.
The last three league championships have been claimed under the leadership of head coach Michelle Lehr and top assistant Mike Mathis, culminating in a perfect 12-0 league season last spring.
Like every year, there were heavy losses from the Millikan program, but there’s also plenty of talent left in the program with exciting newcomers looking to make an immediate impact for the reigning champs.
“I feel like the girls just need to stay hungry and play with a chip on their shoulders … We can’t get too cavalier, and we can’t sit back and think that we’re untouchable,” said Lehr of maintaining their success. “What it really comes down to, is that most of the girls on this varsity team play at a very, very high level in travel ball, so I’m confident in them because when you play at a high level, the game is fast, and you have to learn how to play with pressure.”
The rest of the league will surely be looking to apply pressure and knock the Rams off their perch, with Long Beach Poly and Wilson steadily improving and rivals Lakewood always dangerous under the lights at Lisa Fernandez Field.
One of the key players for Millikan to replace this year will be departed ace Ava Schaffel, who is now at San Diego State. But the Rams have a capable senior in Lauren Cantwell, who’s been on varsity all four years waiting for her turn behind a pair of Division 1 arms. Cantwell is committed to Vanguard University, and Lehr is excited to see her finally get the chance to lead the Millikan pitching staff this year.
“We’ve tested her in those moments when we ran into trouble, and she saved us last year in the Lakewood game,” Lehr recalled. “I know she’s got it in her, and I think she’s hungry for it … She’s throwing hard with good velocity right now, and I know she wants it, so we’re excited for her.”
Freshman Jade Torres is also expected to pitch some key innings this year and is an exciting talent both in the circle and at the plate. Lehr said she may already be the hardest thrower on the team and loves her upside as a pitcher who’s been consistently improving.
Sophomore Mia Meza should also throw more innings this season, but as the fastest player on the team she may also be utilized in the outfield or as a pinch runner.
Millikan will also benefit from having a veteran backstop working with their pitching staff, with senior Jocelyn Owen back behind the plate and in the heart of the batting order. The Eastern Kentucky commit was one of the best hitters in the Rams’ lineup last season, but her growth defensively might be the biggest key for her senior season.
“Jocelyn is going to be really, really big, because she’s at the place now where I feel like she’s holding pictures accountable,” Lehr said. “I think when you’re a younger catcher, you don’t necessarily do that, but she’s kind of taking that leadership, which is really good, so I think we’re gonna rely on her a lot to be that leader behind the dish.”
“I just see consistency with our pitchers. They tend to hit their spots a lot, and they each have their own pitch that is almost like their specialty,” said Owen of the pitching staff. “I’m excited to see what they can do.”
Senior third baseman Morgan Zimmerman returns to the leadoff spot, and is joined in the infield by a sophomore and two juniors. Julia “JuJu” Dizon returns at shortstop with valuable experience under her belt. It was a new position for her as a freshman, but Lehr said she looks a lot more comfortable at that spot defensively.
There’s a ton of pop on the right side of the infield where junior Riley McAndrew should once again hold down second base. She was one of Millikan’s most dangerous bats as a sophomore, hitting for a high average with power to go with it. Junior Addy Everett has gotten a lot of playing time as the designated player but will start at first base, where Lehr is very confident in her glove.
The outfield could be a bit of a puzzle, but there’s quality options that can easily move around, likely with three Division 1 starters. Senior Ella Burleson is a DePaul commit and likely to start out in left field, with junior Weber State commit Hailey Fematt back in center. In right field, Kayla Cisneros was a clutch hitter for the Rams last season who also has a strong arm in the field. The junior is committed to play at Wagner College.
Speaking of strong arms, Lehr is very excited to welcome freshman Aisley Smith to the varsity roster, with several options of where to play her. She said the ninth grader already has the strongest arm on the team with a big bat to match. She can play all over the diamond, possibly center field, shortstop, or at designated player.
Junior Lexi Everett and sophomore Lauryn Kim are other players with offensive firepower looking to find their way into the lineup, giving Lehr and Mathis plenty of options to move players around or ride the hot hand throughout the season.
That’s become the standard lately for the Rams, with their depth not only wearing down other teams, but also making practices competitive with only so many at-bats available.
“Knowing that there’s somebody behind us that could take my spot just makes me want to work harder and do better and produce,” said Owen of the healthy competition in the program. “I think having that at almost every spot that we have is going to help everybody on the field be able to produce more.”
Millikan will be tested plenty thanks to another challenging non-league schedule, before opening Moore League play with a rivalry showdown against Lakewood on Mar. 13. Needless to say, the Rams will have a target on their backs once again as they pursue their fifth straight league title.
Projected Starting Lineup:
C – Jocelyn Owen (Sr.)
1B – Addy Everett (Jr.)
2B – Riley McAndrew (Jr.)
SS – Julia Dizon (So.)
3B – Morgan Zimmerman (Sr.)
LF – Ella Burleson (Sr.) / MIa Meza (So.)
CF – Hailey Fematt (Jr.)
RF – Kayla Cisneros (Jr.)
DP – Lexi Everett (Jr.) / Lauryn Kim (So.)
UTIL – Aisley Smith (Fr.)
P – Lauren Cantwell (Sr.) / Jade Torres (Fr.) / Mia Meza (So.) / Riley McAndrew (Jr.)
