Softball: Mesa looks to regroup

Tony Altobelli

The Costa Mesa High softball team will try to continue its current

success by bringing back a coach from its original glory days.

Rick Buonarigo, who guided the Mustangs from 1990-95 and led them to

their first-ever CIF Southern Section playoff appearances (1993, ’94 and

‘95) returns to the helm for Sharon Uhl.

Uhl, who helped the Mustangs reach the Division IV playoffs last year,

will coach the junior varsity to allow herself an opportunity to take

care of some personal business, according to Buonarigo.

“I was going to be the junior varsity coach, but then Sharon offered

me the varsity spot,” Buonarigo said. “I’m glad to be back and it should

be pretty exciting this year.”

Returning from last year’s 9-12 team (6-4 in league) include seniors

Cara Molter, Erica Melcer, Jamie Klimkiewicz and Tess Lindsay.

Klimkiewicz and senior Sarah Watkins will platoon at catcher, while

Lindsay, sophomore Alejandra Gallardo and sophomore Katy Renish make up

the Mustangs’ pitching rotation.

“Tess has the most control and experience, while Alejandra and Katy

were each good pitchers on last year’s PCL champion JV team,” Buonarigo

said. “The group isn’t what I’d call dominating, but very consistent.”

Anchoring the Mesa infield is sophomore shortstop Ann Marie Topps.

“She has the potential to be an all-league, even an All-CIF athlete

before she’s through,” Buonarigo said. “She’s got a great glove and she

hits a ton.”

Sophomore Jade Moss will be called upon to provide not only a leadoff

spark in the batting order, but someone who can cover the outfield gaps

in center field. If she can get on, look for Topps, Renish and Watkins to

provide the long ball and RBI production.

Costa Mesa High Softball

1 Ola Wallace Sr.

2 Erica Melcer Sr.

4 Jamie Klimkiewicz Sr.

5 Jade Moss So.

6 Cara Molter Sr.

8 Alejandra Gallardo So.

11 Tess Lindsay Jr.

12 Sarah Watkins Sr.

13 Jennifer Jordan So.

21 Sandra Franco So.

22 Ann Marie Topps So.

24 Katy Renish So.

Coach - Rick Buonarigo