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La Reina's early-season results have a championship feel
Only the rain has slowed the Regents down so far
But if the Regents can learn from these victories, the Tri-Valley League season and playoffs, the team could challenge for the California Interscholastic Federation Southern Section Division V champion this season, something that hasn't happened since 2000. "This group-I think they've got a good motivation," said head coach Don Hyatt this week after La Reina defeated the visiting Hueneme Vikings, 13-0. On March 9, the Regents began the season by defeating the Notre Dame Academy Regals of Los Angeles, 11-0. "I think they realize the possibilities and they're all pretty focused," Hyatt said. "I'm very encouraged and excited about it. I think it's going to be fun to work with them this year." The coach said that this is one of the most cohesive groups he's ever coached at La Reina. "They really are doing some good things together, as opposed to a bunch of individuals that do their own things," he said. "They care about each other, and that's going to go a long way."
"We've had some top teams and a lot of runs and it's tough to measure sometimes because you say, 'Well, the opponent was down,'" Hyatt said. "They are down from where they normally would be, but they are still playing with some tough opponents. I feel pretty good about that." In the game against visiting Hueneme, La Reina's junior center fielder Brianna Jorgensborg had a perfect 4-for-4 day with three RBI, plus four runs scored. Junior first baseman Gymma Ypparila was 3-for-4 with five RBI. Senior hurlers Vicky Brown and Brittany Hernandez blanked the Vikings. Big bats in the win over Notre Dame came from junior third baseman Caitlin Rentler, who doubled twice for La Reina, and Jorgensborg. Sophomore outfielder/catcher Catherine Surane and senior second baseman Kristen Torres doubled as well. Surane also tripled and senior hurler Hernandez pitched a no-hitter while striking out four Regals. The Regents' garnered 10 extra base hits in the game, which ended by the mercy rule after four innings. Referring to the Hueneme game, the coach said, "It was nice to see Vicky Brown back. It was the first time she was able to throw after a three-week healthrelated absence." He said he hasn't seen anybody hit the ball like Jorgensborg. "She just hammers the ball," Hyatt said. "She didn't hit the ball as hard as she usually does, but she had five RBI. In the middle of our order, eight RBI (the other three by Ypparila) and seven hits. That's kind of what I hope we'll see from them all the time." He was also delighted with how Hernandez performed. "Britt came in and did a nice job. Hueneme got the one squib single (in the fourth inning) and the double down the line (in the seventh inning, both by freshman third baseman Anyssa Riley)." Defensively, Hyatt said he's been pleased with sophomore Kristina Cheung at third base. She worked last week primarily as a back-up second baseman. Freshman catcher Phoebe Johnson, down with the flu, missed the Hueneme game. "Phoebe is an outstanding young catcher with a great arm, just good all around skills, really quick and she's given us that nice option of being able to move Caitlin (Rentler), who caught for us last year (and was the catcher in Hueneme game)," the coach said. "(Rentler) been playing third base for us when we have our No. 1 lineup out there. She's very solid there, and I think it's a little easier on her legs, too, not to have to catch every game. (Tuesday) Kristina Cheung jumped in at third and I was real pleased." In addition to not having Johnson for the Hueneme game, the Regents didn't have freshman outfielder Cecilia Ellias who was also out with the flu. "I would have loved-especially preseason-having both of them here so we can give them some at-bats, get rid of some of the nerves because they're both freshmen," Hyatt said. They need to get in a varsity game. "(Sophomore) Ellie Eubank did a nice job at short. She's moving over from playing some second base last year and some outfield to take over at shortstop. She's looked good working a little on the backhand. "(Sophomore) Lauren Garcia, who was our DP to start with, is coming off an ACL surgery she had last year. "Brianna Jorgensborg is coming off a back injury from a car accident. She missed two-thirds of last season," the coach said. "This field won't hold her. We've got five kids in the lineup that can hit it out of here."
Hyatt said the team just wants to play some more games so the players can be evaluated and be ready for the rest of the season. |
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