Poway High has two of the best softball players in the section. Maybe the state. Even the nation.
At least Cal Berkeley, which signed pitcher Mya McGowan, and Clemson, which landed catcher Sophia Burmeister, are convinced.
To which coach Jim Bennet said, “two players do not make a team.”
Not that Bennet is downplaying the two or slighting their importance to the team, it’s just that he knows the Titans’ real strength, if they are indeed going to challenge for another section championship, are six unsung juniors.
“They’re unique,” said Bennet who is in his 22nd year as head coach and 30th overall in the program. “Four of them were on the same team as 10-unders through 14-unders, so they really know each other, and the other two were also on club teams.
“Four of them made the team as freshmen and I’d compare it to the 2020 club that had 10 seniors, six of whom made the team as freshmen. They’re really tight, they like each other, and they are the core of the team.”
OK, a brief look at the half-dozen who make up all but one of the infield positions and sometimes two of the three outfield spots for the team that started 9-2.
ALYSSA MENGES — The centerfielder can cover more ground than any of the other outfielders because she has lightning speed. She has started every game and is No. 3 on the team with 10 runs scored. Played varsity as a freshman. Batting .400 with three homers and 11 RBI.
AMELIA DOCKERY — The first baseman alternated at third base a year ago after gaining valuable experience as a freshman. At 5-foot-10, she makes a big target when the other infielders toss her the ball at first base, and she is now comfortable scooping up balls hit to her right after focusing on moving left at third a year ago.
ADDIE QUEEN — A second baseman who has committed just two errors all season, Queen is as steady as they come. She is batting .407 through the first 11 games and after playing junior varsity as a freshman, is expected to move into Burmeister’s spot behind the plate next year.
ASHLEIGH RONSSE — Shared third base duties with Dockery a year ago, she now anchors that position with a .931 fielding average. Playing 90 percent of the time as a sophomore after making the squad as a freshman, she has scored 12 runs with a .563 slugging average.
KARISSA KNAPP — Nicknamed KK, she led the team with 11 hits through the first nine games of the season. The shortstop had 13 putouts and 10 assists to go with .563 slugging average. She started all but one game a year ago.
NATALIE VEJTASA — Every good team has to have a Natalie Vejtasa. Primarily an outfielder, she can also play on the infield. She’s a tough out with a .429 batting average that includes a pair of key doubles. She’s the ultimate utility player who may be a key pitcher next year.
“Although we graduated seven seniors from last year’s team, we returned eight starters, so we’re really a veteran group,” said Bennet. “, four of these girls were on the team that won 29 games as freshmen.
“They’re a very good group and they know the history of Poway winning 20 games each of the last three years. We don’t do that playing easy teams. That’s why we’re in the Michelle Carew Tournament in Orange County that has the top 20 teams in the state. You can go 2-3 in five games and feel you’ve done well. It’s wicked — brutal.
“Then we go right into Palomar League with teams like Del Norte, San Marcos, Mission Hills, San Pasqual and Rancho Bernardo. That prepares you for the Open Division, where we want to play every year.
“The schedule allows the new kids to get their feet wet, so they don’t freak out later. It gives us a chance to rotate players to see who fits best.”
To balance the two standout seniors, Bennet points out freshman Paityn Vidano made the team this season and the 5-foot-6 infielder/outfielder is gaining valuable experience along with sophomore pitcher Aubrey Stititz, who tossed a 5-inning perfect game.
“Mya and Bur’ are our captains this year, but I expect next year we’ll either have six of them or none, because they all lead as a group,” he said.
