Whittier High School’s softball program raps 13 hits – and not a cheapie among ’em – in beating Santa Fe, 7-5, Tuesday afternoon.
To wonder if the girls are trying to keep up with the rapidily developing baseball program would be a disservice to the girls, but whatever the motivation, whatever coach Sandy Vera and her staff has them doing, it’s working.
And it’s being done with just three travel ball players.
Impressive, indeed!

Now if they could get some testimonials from their faithful on the blog, …

…. Whittier High School’s two-run rally in the seventh inning came within a run of upsetting co-Del Rio League leader El Rancho Wednesday, losing 3-2. The Cardinals came back Friday and finished the job with a 5-4 upset that knocked the Dons out of the league lead when Jovany Avila homered in the seventh inning. Whittier already had earned the stamp of legitimacy with an upset of La Serna earlier this season.
…. While El Rancho and La Serna have stolen most of the spotlight in the DRL’s baseball race, California has quietly kept pace. With El Rancho’s loss to Whittier and the Condors’ come-from-behind, then-win-it-in-the-seventh, 6-5 victory over Santa Fe Friday, California is tied for second with two games this week against La Serna. Condors are at La Serna Wednesday, at home Friday.
…. While Santa Fe is struggling, Whittier can ill-afford to look past the Chiefs this week. The upsets of La Serna and El Rancho will lose their luster, in terms of the title chase, should Santa Fe put a dent in the Cardinals’ playoff hopes.
…. And how about Whittier’s softball program. The Cardinals get nine hits off Holly Consterdine, arguably the area’s best pitcher, in a 6-3 loss.
No doubt about it, they, too, have earned their ‘legitimate’ stamp.
…. A football note: Pioneer reportedly has just fewer than 1,700 students this school year. In some circles, it is being said the Titans’ numbers could drop to fewer than 1,400, maybe even lower for 2008-2009.
If so, it will make a dramatic hit on the athletic programs in terms of competitive capability.
The open enrollment opportunity allowing freshmen to transfer is being cited.
Here’s hoping the major migration, or is defection the better word, doesn’t come to pass.
The Titans’ athletic programs deserve better.

A trio of La Habra High School CIF Southern Section, Southeast Division champion football players have been selected to participate in the Orange Country All-Star Football game scheduled to be played July 11 at Orange Coast College.
Playing for the North Squad will be quarterback Chris Morales, running back Jason Davis and defensive back Petey Puga.

No place kicker is listed, but Puga could easily fill that position, too.

Long-time and most-often bitter rivals Bishop Amat (13-4, 4-0) and St.
Paul (14-6, 5-1) are ranked Nos. 1 and 2, respectively, in this week’s
CIF Southern Section, Division V weekly baseball poll.
The two teams will meet in back-to-back Del Rey League games at Amat
on April 22 and at St. Paul on April 25.
The only other area team ranked in baseball this week is El Rancho
(13-3, 6-1), which is No 6 in Division III.
In softball, Del Rio League leader La Serna (11-3, 2-0) is No. 6 in
Division III, and Camino Real League co-leader Cantwell Sacred Heart
(9-6, 2-0) is No. 6 in Division VI.
In boys tennis, La Serna’s DRL-leading Lancers (12-1, 6-0) are No. 8
in Division V.
In boys volleyball, La Serna (6-3, 4-0) is No. 7 in Division III.

The Fourth Annual High School All-Star Basketball Games, boys and girls, scheduled Saturday night at Whittier College and sponsored by Sargent’s Sportring Goods, figure to be a crowd pleaser for everyone, players and crowd alike.
The coaches have a common philosophy in that it is an all-star game and should showcase the participants’ talents.
Therefore, they’ve promised a wide-open, up-tempo approach that will favor transition scoring and one-on-one matchups, all within the team concept.
Twelve of the 24 players on the two boys teams were members of the 2008 Daily News All-Area first, second and honorable mention selectees. Fifteen of the 24 girls were All-Area honorees.
Tickets are priced at $10 for adults, with children ages 1 and under admitted free.
tickets can be purchased at Sargent’s, 6546 Comstock Ave in Whittier.
For more information, call (562) 696-2120.
And bring the family