Marmonte softball teams dominating non-league foes

Early season results suggest the Marmonte League is going to be a powerhouse in high school softball this year.

Through Tuesday's games, according to MaxPreps.com, the league's eight schools had compiled a 24-9 overall record.

Three teams- Agoura (50), Simi Valley (4-0) and Westlake (20)- were undefeated, having beaten their opponents by a combined score of 57-6. (Westlake played at Saugus Wednesday afternoon, but a final score wasn't available prior to press time).

"It's going to be a tough year, that's all I can say," Westlake head coach Lynn Baum said. "Every team in this league is going to be tough. They can all hit, and everybody has good pitching. It's going to be another exciting, but difficult, year in the Marmonte."

In the latest CIF-Southern Section Division I coaches' poll, Agoura was ranked third and Thousand Oaks (4-1) was ninth.

According to Agoura head coach Chance Redmond, the Chargers haven't been ranked this high in at least 15 years.

"It's exciting for the girls," Redmond said. "They've been working (really hard) and are playing very well together."

Spearheading the Agoura offense is second baseman Julie Lewis. The sophomore is batting .600 in 15 at-bats with six RBI and five runs scored. Senior ace Kimberly Green is 50 with a .483 ERA in 29 innings of work.

"If we keep our bats going, as well as play the defense that we're playing, we'll be right up there at the top of the league. I'm convinced of it," Redmond said.

Simi Valley is hitting .343 as a team. Senior shortstop Sam Fischer has a pair of home runs and a pair of triples to go with her .417 average. Pioneer sophomore pitcher Amanda Oliveto hasn't allowed a run in 11 innings. She has 22 strikeouts in that span.

In limited action, Westlake's offense has been outstanding. Rebecca Esquivel, Caylin Campbell, Nora Soczak, Jenna Becerra, Kaitlyn Pippen, Melissa Preish and Justine Rodriguez combined for 23 hits in 42 atbats during a doubleheader sweep of West Ranch to start the season.

"We're swinging the bats really well and are confident at the plate right now," Baum said. "We've got a lot of speed with a few slappers who can get on base and make things happen."

Thousand Oaks, considered by several coaches to be the preseason favorite in league, is fueled by the all-around play of center fielder Tiffany Messerschmidt. The senior is batting .529 with nine hits in 17 atbats. She also has four stolen bases in five attempts.

Lancer junior pitcher Jackie Manzer threw complete game shutouts against El Modena and Mission Viejo. She hasn't been scored upon in 17 innings this year.

Newbury Park (5-2) posted a team batting average of .337 in its first seven games. Chelsee Howard, Nicole Checkie and Carly Rudloff are all hitting at or above .500 in 20 or more at-bats. Checkie also has four stolen bases.

Robyn Hammond is 4-1 with a .500 ERA for the Panthers. Hammond has 29 strikeouts in 28 innings pitched.

Royal (1-2) has long been a league powerhouse. The Highlanders remain a force with a lineup that features talented hitters such as Colleen Nilles, Liz Tsipouras and Sammi Mallory. Tsipouras is also the team's top pitcher.

Moorpark was 1-1 prior to Wednesday's double-header at home against 10th-ranked Hart of Newhall.

Calabasas lost to Oak Park Tuesday afternoon, 4-0. The Coyotes' record is now 0-3.