The562’s coverage of Lakewood Athletics is sponsored by J.P. Crawford, Class of 2013.
After once again failing to dethrone Moore League champions and rivals Millikan last year, the key to success for Lakewood softball this season will be the ability to adjust.
Lakewood won 11 of 13 league titles from 2007 to 2019 before having to watch the rival Rams win the last four league championships. Longtime coach Andy Miramontes has been at the helm for the whole time, and knows it will take adjustments in order to knock off Millikan.
“It’s going to be a work in progress and we have to come together as a team,” Miramontes said. “There’s a good vibe though and the kids are working hard and we’ll get them ready. We’ve got some girls who can do some damage if we get the top of our lineup on base. We’ll do whatever it takes to win. I just want to win, I don’t care who they put in front of us.”
The Lancers were beat handily by Millikan in their first meeting last year, and the second game was a 1-0 thriller. Despite the fact they were both losses, returning starters like center fielder Izzy Rueda are taking the lessons with them into this season.
“We expected more out of ourselves,” Rueda said. “I think we were too focused on ourselves. We need to work more as a team. Towards the end we did a good job of that. (Miramontes) extended practices to work on the little things. We need to execute on small ball, cut down on error and have each others backs, which I know won’t be a problem because we have a great bond this year.”
Rueda and her fellow upperclassman will need to embody those necessary adjustments, like how Rueda has gone from a shy freshman at the bottom of the lineup to a team captain at the top.
“(Rueda) had a great offseason as she’s come into her own as a ball player and as a leader,” Miramontes said. “In the past she’s been a silent leader who works hard and does the right things, Now she’s finding herself as an athlete and stepping up as a captain. She’s really vocal and when the girls are off a little bit she brings them back together.”
This will be Rueda’s second season starting in center field so she wants to act like a leader in an effort to use her experience.
“You have to be loud and communication is key because we’re not all looking at each other, which we worked on in the offseason,” she said.
Rueda also wants to adjust at the plate where she will continue to be a slap hitter while adding the ability to square up and drive the ball. She said she’s been utilizing the weight room and her positioning in the batters box.
“It’s a big advantage,” Rueda said of the added versatility. “When I’m in the box the defense doesn’t know what’s goin to happen. It’s about being very controlled.”
Lakewood will have new arms in the circle with Bella Polanco and Alyssa Valdez taking over the pitching duties. They’re unproven spot pitchers who could both see playing time in the key league games.
Catching them will be returning starter Katelynn Lewis. Miramontes has worked with her on being more aggressive and attacking pitches early in the count.
There will be three infielders playing new positions for the Lancers. Abby Morris with add her big bat to the lineup at first base and Natalia Cobarruvias is moving from the outfield to second base. On the left side, Jaime Ramirez will take her strong arm from third base to shortstop and make space for freshman Jaylen Echeverria to take over on the hot corner.
Zoey Solorzano will be in left field after making the most of her opportunities off the bench last year, and a group of newcomers will compete for playing time in right field.
“(Pitching) is the key and it’s about whoever can execute when the spotlight is on.” Miramontes said. “We’ll battle. We’re going to have to be scrappy.”
Starting Lineup
P – Bella Polanco / Alyssa Valdez
C – Katelynn Lewis
1B – Abby Morris
2B – Natalia Cobarruvias
3B – Jaylen Echeverria
SS – Jamie Ramirez
OF – Izzy Rueda
OF — Zoey Solorzano
