Softball 2017 Preview: Speed Part Of The Plan For Lancers

For the past few seasons, the Pasadena City College softball team offense relied on power whether it be by home run or other extra base hits. But in 2017, PCC fourth-year head coach Monica Tantlinger said the Lancers will be generating runs with speed on the basepaths.

"This is the fastest team I've had here, and we're going to make an effort to use our speed to pressure opponents into defensive mistakes," Tantlinger said.  "I think we can manufacture runs rather than just hope to get a big hit with runners on base."

Pasadena returns All-South Coast Conference First Team shortstop Karina Moreno, who finished in the state top 10 in on-base percentage (.551, 10th) and walks (27, seventh). She batted a team-best .441 and stole 18 bases. 

Another letterman is third baseman Brittany Ching, who batted .283 and like Moreno appeared in all 40 of PCC's games as a freshman. Brenda Rivas (.247, six doubles, 12 SBs) is back as well as the team's leftfielder. 

"Obviously we have a strong left side, especially defensively," Tantlinger said. "Ching has made some great strides as a defender and as a hitter. Moreno is a consistent on-base player, and we expect her to continue being a team leader for us."

Maybe Tantlinger's most impactful recruit is freshman second baseman/shortstop Alex Howard, who is a Glendale News Press All-Area First Team selection from Glendale High. Howard was sensational in her senior season as she batted .493 with 16 doubles, 28 RBI, 13 steals and was named All-Pacific League First Team. Howard may be one of the team's expected RBI leaders as she will bat third in the lineup to start the season.

Other impressive incoming freshmen include Alise Archuleta (Burbank Burroughs High, .326 hitter as a senior), a lefty slapper and utility player who will play right field to open the year, first baseman Jamie Hammon (Gabrielino) who is expected to be the team's clean-up hitter, and centerfielder Angel Urbina (La Mirada High).

"Alex gives us a great middle infield combo with Moreno. Alise is going to steal some bases for us for sure," Tantlinger said. "Jamie has a nice swing and can drive the ball. Angel has the best range of any centerfielder since I took over the program. She's got a very strong arm and just has great tools defensively. Our overall defense will be better this season."

Tantlinger thinks she finally has a pitching staff to work with rather than just one key pitcher to rely on. She brings back 10-game winner and ace Pica Madrid, who pitched 135.2 innings last season and added four saves. Angel Wintercorn (Temple City High) joins her as the team's second starter. A hard thrower, Wintercorn was used as both a reliever and starter at TCHS when she struck out 71 batters in 75.2 innings (2.68 ERA) in her senior year.

Freshman Celina Mesa, who was Temple City's regular starter and finished 9-2 with a 2.68 ERA, is another newcomer. Lauren Jackson returns from last year and Rivas may also see time in the circle. 

At catcher, defensive-minded Jeneve Medrano (La Mirada) will start but will receive competition from Grace Sinisterra (Glendale), who batted .419 with 19 RBI in her senior prep season. 

"We have a fairly young team with 16 freshmen," the coach said. "But we have players that can immediately pay dividends for us. Having an experienced Pica and Karina makes us that much better. We're excited to get the season going."

Tantlinger brings back assistants Stephanie Marshall (pitching coach) and Nolan Peralta as well as adding former player and Cal State Northridge 2-year letterman Allison Lacey to the coaching staff.

PCC opens the '17 season at Antelope Valley College on Friday, Jan. 27 in a 3 p.m. start. The Lancers first home game at off-campus Robinson Park takes place Thursday, Feb. 2 in a 2:30 p.m. first pitch against Moorpark.