FASTPITCH PREVIEW ’10: Young talent abounds for Auburn Mountainview

The Auburn Mountainview fastpitch team found itself one game shy of the the state 3A fastpitch tournament last season, losing 5-4 to Capital at the West Central District playoffs.

The Auburn Mountainview fastpitch team found itself one game shy of the the state 3A fastpitch tournament last season, losing 5-4 to Capital at the West Central District playoffs.

The Lions finished 15-15 overall and third in the South Puget Sound League 3A at 8-6.

This season, the Lions are back for another run at state.

According to fifth-year coach Dee Herren, the Lions took a big hit in the offseason, losing several seniors to graduation. But Herren said a solid core of experienced players, blended with a talented bunch of newcomers, might just be enough to put the Lions over the top.

Returning are All-SPSL 3A pitcher Kristin Herren and catcher Deanna Colburn, both seniors and co-captains. Amanda Coella, a second-team all-leaguer last season, will play catcher and shortstop.

“She’s a pure hitter,” Herren said of Coella.

The Lions also will have seniors Leslie Hahn in right field and Megan Celis in left.

Herren expects the underclassman to make their presence felt this season.

“We’re pretty much comprised of sophomore and freshmen,” he said. “With the freshmen, we have more select players than we’ve ever had. We’ve always had good athletes. They’ve just not been year-round players.

“This year we have five freshman, including two of the top players in the area.”

One of them is Alleyah Amendariz.

“She is an oustanding pitcher, shortstop and hitter,” Herren said. “I’d put her in there as one of the top pitchers in the area. Not only can she throw, but she can hit and play shortstop.”

Herren also welcomes freshman Quierra Bradford, who will play first and third base for the Lions.

“She’s a big girl, 6-feet tall and very mobile,” Herren said. “She’s doing a great job for us so far.”

Also making an impact is Callie Clerk, who will play second and third base.

“She’s doing a great job defensively so far,” he said.

But if the Lions really want to make it back to state, they will have to rely heavily on the arm of Kristin Herren.

“She was good enough to almost get us to state last year,” Coach Herren said.

The Lions, 4-0 as of Tuesday, played Bonney Lake on Wednesday, with results unavailable at press time. Auburn Mountainview will travel to Sumner for a 4 p.m. today. The Lions will host Enumclaw at 4 p.m. Monday.