If the Redmond High fastpitch team’s preseason was any indication, opposing pitchers will need to be extra-sharp this season against the quality bats on head coach Parris Mamon’s roster.
Through three games, the Mustangs are a perfect 3-0 and have outscored their opponents – Eastside Catholic, Kentridge and Lake Washington – by a margin of 46-10.
The offensive production has given the Mustangs a confidence boost for the start of 4A Kingco division play, which begins Monday, April 4 against Newport.
Redmond is hoping to ride the wave to the end of the Kingco Tournament, where the Mustangs fell just two games short of a state berth last year.
“I think that we’re going to carry that momentum right through the season,” said senior co-captain Stephanie Gero, one of a trio of third-year varsity returners. “We’re working a lot harder in practices this year, and I feel like with that momentum, and having coach here for the second year in a row, we can really build on that and make it to state.”
ONE-TWO PUNCH
Besides Gero, who will play second base, the Mustangs have Christine Ho, the other co-captain returning at third base as well as Lindsay Cristobal, who will patrol center field.
“They’re phenomenal, they lead by example,” Mamon said of his upperclassmen. “If they play the way they are capable of playing, and they work with the younger kids, I think we’re going to do all right.”
While the Mustangs possess many other offensive weapons, junior shortstop Ashley Mitchell has swung one of the hottest bats in the state during the non-league schedule, going 7 for 10 with two home runs, two triples and nine runs batted in.
In the circle, the Mustangs have a pair of proven returners in senior Emily Graves and junior Melissa White, who logged innings last year. Both pitchers were tested in pressure situations down the stretch.
In the grueling Kingco Tournament last year, White pitched a gem against Issaquah to keep the Mustangs’ hopes alive, In that game, she outlasted Eagle standout Mikenzie Voves, 1-0, in a classic pitcher’s duel.
“They both look good,” Mamon said of his starters, adding that they combined for 10 strikeouts against Eastside Catholic in the team’s season opener. “It’s nice to have that one-two punch.”
OVER THE HUMP
Last year, the program worked through the growing pains of yet another new coach, and a new philosophy to master. For last year’s graduating seniors, it was their third new coach in three seasons.
With Mamon returning in 2011 and bringing solidarity to the program, it has allowed the players to more fully concentrate on playing ball.
“I do think we get along better,” Ho noted. “He knows us, and he knows what we need to do. If we have a problem, he knows how to solve it, instead of kind of guessing like last year.”
Added Gero, “I feel we’re really well-rounded as a team and have great team chemistry right now. We’re well-prepared and working hard, so it should be a really fun season.”
Having helped coach Kentridge to a 4A state title in 2002 as an assistant, Mamon knows what it takes to get to the top, and he has seen that the Mustangs have all the tools to be a postseason threat.
The key, he says, will be to put all the pieces of the puzzle together when it counts.
“In order for us to get over that hump, we’re going to have to play good defense, our pitching is going to have to be good, and obviously the bats too, but I think we’re going to be okay with that,” explained Mamon on what his team needs to advance to state. “It’s putting it all together. This is a really talented team, and if they do what they’re supposed to do, take care of themselves and worry about their responsibilities, we’ll be all right.”
REDMOND HIGH FASTPITCH AT A GLANCE
• Head coach: Parris Mamon, 2nd season
• Last year: 7-10, 4th in 4A Kingco Crest Division, 13-12 overall
• 2011 turnout: 18
KEY RETURNERS
• Sr. Stephanie Gero, 2B: Third-year varsity player gets on base and is solid defensively, with good range and speed.
• Sr. Christine Ho, 3B: Third-year varsity, solid middle-of-the-lineup bat with a good glove.
• Sr. Lindsay Cristobal, CF: Rounding out the third-year returners, she understands the game and has excellent bat control.
• Jr. Ashley Mitchell, SS: Great defender with speed won’t let much get past her.
• Jr. Louise Chouinard, UT: Versatile Overlake School athlete swings a solid bat.
DID YOU KNOW?
University of Washington fastpitch head coach Heather Tarr went to Redmond High School and played for the Mustangs, graduating in 1993. She guided the Huskies to a NCAA national title in June 2009.
KEY GAME
• Redmond at Eastlake, Monday, May 9, 4 p.m.: This matchup with the rival Wolves, who always turn out a solid team, will be a good test to see if the Mustangs are playoff-ready as they take on a tough squad on the road.
COACH’S QUOTE
“I think we will be a highly competitive team that will do well in league and hopefully make the playoffs.” — Redmond coach Parris Mamon
