Apr 3, 2003 By Jim Wexell For The 3 min read

California has made positive strides the last few years, but the next one should be the most difficult. After finishing third in 2001 and second in 2002, California is looking to finish first in Section 6-A softball this season.

“That’s what we’re looking for,” said coach George Zarlino. “But we have a lot of problems.”

Graduation for one, took two starters. Then five more starters quit the team. One went into hockey, two went into tennis, another went into volleyball and a fifth quit to devote herself to the band.

“Those are the fields they want to do,” Zarlino said. “It was tough on our team.”

Those who quit were very good players. Lost in the exodus were a .500 hitter and two .400 hitters. Back, however, is last year’s only all-section performer, Cassie Wolpink. She’s the second baseman who hit .470 last year.

The other top hitters are center fielder Katy Doman, shortstop Amy Wohar and first baseman Lindsay Taylor, a transfer from Florida.

“We’ve got some hitters, but we have a long way to go in that department,” Zarlino said. “And defensively, we’re not even average yet. We’re getting there, but it’s difficult with so many new players.

Pitcher Alison Edwards, a junior, won nine of California’s 11 games last year. After an 0-3 start this year, she’s found the plate and has led California to wins in its last two games.

“I expect her to be right among the leaders in our section this year,” Zarlino said. “She’ll keep us in games. We’ve just got to give her support.”

Edwards has a new catcher. Alex Bennett, who began working with the coaching staff last May, has replaced Olivia Vargo, who’s now a member of the hockey team.

“Alex volunteered and she’s doing a good job,” Zarlino said. “It’s that way with the rest of them. We won our last two and the girls are starting to understand the game. It was tough in the beginning. We had so many new players, but we’re coming along. The attitude’s real good. We’re holding extra practices and nobody’s griping. We went 45 extra minutes the other night because we had to put some new things in and no one complained. They know we have to do it. It’s part of the process because basically we’re starting over. I didn’t expect this, but the girls are trying.”

In the first three games, California had only six hits. In an 11-0 loss to Carmichaels, California made seven errors. Things progressed in wins over Avella and Jefferson-Morgan.

Among the new starters is freshman third baseman Laurel McCrory. The other starters are Jessica Lowe and Michelle Wohar in left field, and Kristin Caster in right field. Amanda Coombs is the first player off the bench.