It might get interesting in the Pacific League this season.
With defending champion Crescenta Valley losing a number of talented seniors to graduation, the door to a title might be cracked open for other teams.
Burroughs High and Burbank look to be ready to go through that door.
But neither the Indians nor Bulldogs are ready to count out the Falcons, who have won three straight titles.
“You always know that [CV Coach] Dan Berry is going to have his share of good players,” Burbank Coach Nicole Drabecki said. “That’s a team you can never count out.”
Burroughs Coach Jose Valle agrees.
“CV seems to always get the players, and they should have one of the best players in the league in [junior Erin Ashby],” Valle said of the pitcher who had verbally committed to Stanford. “CV is always going to be tough.”
Things are likely to get more interesting as the season progresses. Here is a look at how the four area programs are shaping up.
BURROUGHS
The Indians (15-11 last season) finished second in league a year ago. It’s only two league losses came against Crescenta Valley.
With a mix of returning and new players, Valle said he expects the team to be competitive.
“We have a good group of returning players and a group that has come up from [junior varsity],” Valle said. “We should be very solid.”
The team will hand the ball in the circle to junior Quinn Rodriguez (5-1, 1.59 earned-run average last season), sophomore Heather Haynes and freshman Kayla Dalley.
Catching will be sophomore Shannon Trujillo, Taylor Buliavac (.365) will be at first base, sophomore Caitlin Loera will be at second, sophomore Alli Grimaldo will be at third and senior Vanessa Simile and Hallie White will be at shortstop.
In the outfield will be Grimaldo, seniors Emily Odio and Jena Serranzana (.405) and sophomore Vivian Dinardo.
“We only have three seniors, so we are young,” Valle said.
BURBANK
The team will feature a fine mix of younger and experienced players, as the Bulldogs will carry five seniors and five freshmen.
“We are real excited about the season,” said Burbank Coach Nicole Drabecki, whose team went 12-15 last season and finished third in the Pacific League. “We feel that we have a great group of players and it looks like we have our share of talent.”
