New softball coach encouraged by Rams’ potential

With seven sophomores and three freshmen among the 15 players on the roster, Chris Ansley has a young team in his first year as the Maricopa High School varsity softball coach.

That doesn’t mean, however, that he is writing off this season as strictly a learning experience. Instead, Ansley believes the Rams can win plenty of games along the way as they establish a foundation for the future.

“We are looking forward to having a good season,” Ansley said. “We have put a lot of hard work in getting the girls prepared, and we are hoping that it pays off.”

Maricopa opens the season today with a home game against Apache Junction. After playing in the Sun Blast Tournament at Anthem Boulder Creek from March 3-5, the Rams will begin their Class 4A-II East Sky Region schedule on March 8 at Gilbert Higley.

“We are in the toughest region,” Ansley said about the East Sky, which sent five teams, including state champion Chandler Seton Catholic, to last season’s 4A-II state tournament.

The Rams will look for senior leadership from outfielder Cami Cochran, infielder Alicia Ortega and utility player Talia Davis, who can play several positions.

Cochran and Ortega will bat in the middle of the Maricopa lineup, along with junior first baseman Keri Weigl and sophomore pitcher Alicia Portillo.

After gaining varsity experience in the pitching circle last year as a freshman, Portillo will step into the role as the Rams’ top pitcher this season.

“Alicia has good control and ball placement,” Ansley said. “She throws hard, and she has a pretty good changeup.”

Portillo, a right-hander, will share the pitching duties with sophomore left-hander Andrea Wilson.

The Rams’ catchers are freshman Madison Moncel and sophomore Gabrielle Vargas. Sophomores Madison Clark and Ariel Ortega are among the Rams’ infielders, as are freshmen Madi Byrd and Rosie Naranjo.

The cadre of Maricopa outfielders includes junior Shawnny Cruz and sophomores Randi Mead and Sofia Lopez.

Ansley said the Rams have shown potential on offense. “I believe we are going to be solid in hitting this year,” the Maricopa coach said. “We have been working on bunting, and we also have been hitting for power. We have been coming along well with both.”

Ansley said Ariel Ortega and Mead are among the candidates to bat in the leadoff position. Defensively, the coach likes the versatility the Rams have exhibited.

“We have done a lot of fielding at practice at every position,” Ansley said. “They all seem pretty comfortable anywhere we put them.”