What we learned from Trinity League softball media day
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Calif. — JSerra High School hosted the annual Trinity League baseball and softball media day on Tuesday. JSerra baseball coach Brett Kay organized the event. Here's what we learned about all five Trinity League softball teams.
SANTA MARGARITA
2021 league finish: T-3rd
Michael Takkinen is in year one coaching at Santa Margarita after leading Troy in 2020 and 2021. Before that, he spent four years as head coach at Fullerton. Last year's Eagles team went 18-8 and made the Division 1 playoffs in the Southern Section. This season, Santa Margarita has only one senior on the roster and she's currently injured. Takkinen has appointed juniors Linsea Strauch (pitcher), Madison Rosenbaum and Karissa Rice as "team leaders for this year and next year." Expect the Eagles to establish a solid foundation under Takkinen this season that they will build on next season and for years to come.
ROSARYACADEMY
2021 league finish: 5th
Despite finishing in fifth place in the Trinity League a year ago, Rosary won a Division 4 Southern Section title in 2021. This season, head coach Tom Tice hopes his Royals team can win a Trinity League championship for the first time in a decade. That's the goal.
Senior pitcher Lanna Martinez, senior infielder Martina Gutierrez (Fairfield commit) and senior outfielder Hannah Hernandez (Rhode Island commit) are the three team leaders for Rosary. They know what it takes to win a CIF title and desperately want to graduate with a league title under their belts as well.
JSERRA
2021 league finish: T-3rd
JSerra barely missed the playoffs last season, which has provided added motivation heading into the spring. The Lions have more freshmen on the roster than seniors, but make no mistake they're still going to be a tough team to play against.
Senior outfielder Willa Poplawski is committed to Pace and senior third baseman Hollie Farmer is committed to Boise State. A third name to know for the Lions is sophomore pitcher Eva Hurtado.
ORANGE LUTHERAN
2021 league finish: T-1st
Head coach Steve Miklos wouldn't admit it on Tuesday, but the Lancers are the Trinity League favorites this season. Senior Arkansas commit Kiki Estrada is back for Orange Lutheran after winning the Trinity League MVP award last year and sophomore Brianne Weiss struck out 12 batters in a 3-1 win over a good Esperanza team on Feb. 12. The win was Mikos' 500th career victory.
Orange Lutheran also has top freshman outfielder Kai Minor on its roster this spring. The Lancers are stacked and primed for a big year.
MATER DEI
2021 league finish: T-1st
How far can junior pitcher Justice Alcaraz take the Monarchs this season? She's the new ace of the staff and her performance will have a big impact on if Mater Dei can successfully defend last year's league title. Other players to watch on Mater Dei include senior speedster Anika Ewert. The Bowdoin commit was only caught stealing once in her junior year. Senior second baseman Madison Rodriguez is another impact Monarch.
Mater Dei head coach Sean Brashear plans to start three freshmen and will have underclassmen lined up all over the field this spring. The Monarchs will be young but dangerous.
