COA Spotlight: South #2

CYPRESS THINKING REPEAT

Seems the more things change, the more Cypress Charger softball stays the same.

Last season, Cypress entered the playoffs with a 46-4 record - same as this year.

They suffered just one loss in the tough Orange Empire Conference in 2006 - ditto again.

Cypress opened the '06 postseason facing Chaffey - and the two meet once more this weekend.

All signs appear to favor the state champs to . yep - repeat the pattern.

As if coach Brad Pickler needs any karma to help his team perform. Cypress has won its last 35 of 36 games.

"We've got a shot," Pickler says with a smile. "At least I think we do."

Pickler, in fact, is very confident in his club - he returns six starters, including the entire outfield and the state-championship's winning pitcher.

Sophomore Alyssa Gutierrez was in the circle to beat a powerful Mt. San Antonio team, giving Pickler his state-record fifth California title.

Gutierrez was last year's South Player of the Year as a shortstop/pitcher, doing most of her damage with the bat. This season, she's the South Pitcher of the Year with a 29-4 record and a minuscule ERA of 0.33.

"'Gute' has been outstanding for us," Pickler said. "She hasn't hit the ball as well as last year, but if she gets hot at the plate in these playoffs."

Ashley Boyd has replaced Gutierrez as the regular shortstop, and is doing more than holding her own as a leadoff hitter. Boyd, a 21-year-old freshman, was voted to the All-SoCal Team after finishing the regular season with a .384 batting average, 20 extra-base hits, 26 RBI, 48 runs scored, and 28-of-30 in stolen base attempts.

"Ashley ranks right up there with all of the great shortstops we've had," Pickler said. "She has a knack for getting to the ball, and she's got a quick release."

Freshmen 2B Christina Gonzales and 3B Lizette Mejia have also had solid rookie seasons.

The sophomore leaders include catcher Gabby Woody (First Team All-State, .437, 5 HR, 46 RBI), 1B/DH Brooke Pefley (All-OEC), and outfielders Sabrina Hernandez (All-OEC, .302), Kristen Aufdemberg (.326), and Jade Espinoza (.368).

"It's a great group to have back," Pickler said. "They've led the way for us. We're excited to try and repeat."

Cypress won its sixth straight OEC championship with a record of 20-1. The lone defeat came against Golden West - then the Chargers responded to win their next 19, including wins over playoff qualifiers Fullerton, Antelope Valley, Riverside, Merced (twice), and the rematch with the Ruslters.

During their current 14-game win streak, Cypress has outscored the opposition, 85-8. While last year's champs had more firepower, the '07 Chargers are beating teams with speed, clutch-hitting, and great pitching.

"It's tough to repeat," Pickler said. "Hopefully things will fall into place. We have a lot of good teams in these regionals, so you never know. I think we're healthy and ready to go."

QUICK HITS: Cypress is 23-2 at home this season . Pickler said freshman pitcher Sydney Woolley (15-0, 0.62) is healthy again and may see some action in the postseason . Cypress won three straight state titles from 1997-99 . Pickler has coached his teams to 17 straight Final Eight appearances.

- Compiled by Softball State Championship Publicist Eric Mendoza