Amber Pineda has heard the talk, but refuses to listen.
Instead, the Kent-Meridian transfer is looking to the future rather than taking note of the past when it comes to the school’s fastpitch program.
“They said they weren’t that great, but I don’t believe them,” said Pineda, a pitcher who transferred to the East Hill school from Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. before the year began. “I heard they have not won that many games, but I don’t think it’s a big deal. I think I could help them start winning games this year. I think we have potential.”
Kent-Meridian has been on the bottom of the South Puget Sound League North Division looking up for the last two years. And despite the fact that the Royals entered the spring season earlier this week having lost 36 consecutive North Division games, Pineda has high hopes for the months ahead.
A senior righthander from powerhouse Etiwanda High, a Southern California-based school with more than 3,000 students and a tradition of winning on the fastpitch diamond, Pineda already has given the Royals a big boost through her positive outlook.
“She’s probably the best girl I’ve had out there since I’ve been here,” said fifth-year Kent-Meridian coach Rachel Hopkins. “She comes with good fundamentals and has a few pitches to work from. Being a pitcher is a huge part of the deal. From what I’ve seen in practice, she’s pretty consistent.”
Consistent and, of course, a breath of fresh air for the Royals.
A baseball fan who often attended minor league games of the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, a High Class-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Pineda has an assortment of pitches in her arsenal, including a screwball, changeup, riseball, dropball and a fastball. In a sport that relies heavily upon the player in the circle, the new K-M senior will be leaned heavily upon this spring.
Yet, as big of boost as Pineda’s ability in the circle will be, her influence on the diamond and leadership skills might be her greatest assets.
“She’s a very hard worker and is optimistic about getting out there and making things happen,” Hopkins said. “She’s not content with everyone staying where they are.”
With Pineda in fold, the Royals have been more focused than ever this spring.
“They’re more driven,” Hopkins added. “I am getting kids who actually come in for extra hitting. There’s a new focus and dedication.”
While that new attitude doesn’t necessarily mean the Royals will jump from the bottom to the top in one season, it should go a long way in helping K-M close the competitive gap between themselves and the rest of the SPSL North.
And it all plays into Pineda’s goal for the season.
“My goal is to increase my speed and help this team win some games,” she said. “I want to help teach the girls how to play.”
Hopkins and Pineda certainly have some solid players to work with, too, including returners Liz Stone (catcher) and Ashley Sesario (catcher) along with newcomers Molly Kirk (pitcher/infield) and Cherry Alejo (third base).
“Honestly, I want them to win a game this year,” Hopkins said. “I want them to hit a lot better than they did in the past. And I want them to have confidence.”
And if Pineda has anything to say about it — and she likely will — the Royals should be able to accomplish exactly that. Maybe even more.
ROYALS: AT A GLANCE
• COACH: Rachel Hopkins, fifth year.
• LAST YEAR: 0-16 in league.
• TOP RETURNERS: Liz Stone, sr., catcher; Ashley Sesario, jr., shortstop.
• TOP NEWCOMERS: Amber Pineda, sr., pitcher; Cherry Alejo, fr., third base; Molly Kirk, so., pitcher/infield.
• OUTLOOK: The Royals will be young this spring, but did have nearly 40 girls turn out for the team, which bodes well for the future. K-M lost standout Josie Handolero, a pitcher who turned out for rugby, and graduated five seniors. Pineda, a transfer from Etiwanda High in Southern California, should give the Royals a boost and the likelihood of the program ending a 36-game SPSL North losing streak is good. It may be premature to be talking playoffs, but this is a bunch that should take a step forward.
• STATE: The Royals last qualified for state in 1999.
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