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CV varsity softball team expects to close competitive gap in 2013
Hawks won just one league game last year
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The Hawks return multiple players from a season ago, including junior pitcher/second baseman Sarah McElroy. McElroy earned second-team, all-league honors in 2012.

Central Valley High School varsity softball head coach Kristen Ghimenti talked about the importance of being determined during a recent team meeting.

The Hawks have a strong desire to improve on last year's 1-11 showing.

Central Valley's overall conference record through its first six seasons was 14-69.

"We're trying to instill that drive in them," said Ghimenti, Central Valley's second-year leader. "The talent is there. The talent was there last year. It just didn't translate on the field."

Central Valley's top returners are Sarah McElroy (Jr., P/2B), Malynda Lomeli (Sr., IF), Lynaya Lerma (So., 3B), Lindsay Alexander (So., LF) and Lexy Cordova (Jr., P/1B).
Hannah Baker (Sr., 1B/DH), Jasmine Henson (Jr., OF) and Courtney Ahart (Jr., OF) also returned to the team.
McElroy, a pitcher and second baseman, was named to the WAC Second Team her sophomore year.

Sarah batted .235 with one triple, two runs and one stolen base.

She posted a 1-5 record with 26 strikeouts while splitting time at pitcher with Cordova.

McElroy struck out eight and walked none in Central Valley's 8-7 win over Pacheco. The victory snapped a 12-game, conference losing streak dating back to 2011.

Mia Lorenzo (Jr., C/SS), Nicholette Mendez (Jr., OF), Yesenia Godinez (Fr., C/IF), Brittany Serrano (Jr., OF), Alyssa Washburn (Jr., 1B/OF) and Janette Magana (Jr., OF) are newcomers.

Mia played varsity softball as a freshman. She did track and field last spring.

"It opens up more options for us," Ghimenti said while talking about Lorenzo's versatility. "She definitely has talent and personality. She's competitive. She works hard. She wants to succeed. A lot of our girls are like that."

Central Valley placed last in the WAC standings in 2012. The Hawks finished behind Ceres High (10-2), Central Catholic (9-3), Los Banos (9-3), Livingston (8-4), Patterson (3-9) and Pacheco (2-10).

Central Valley collected its lone win versus Pacheco.

The Hawks ended a 12-game losing streak dating back to 2011 with an 8-7 victory over the Panthers.

Central Valley owns an all-time record of 0-12 against Ceres High.

"I'm more focused on building my program," Ghimenti said. "But we can't ignore the rivalry. They have a lot of talent. But nobody is unbeatable."

The Hawks hope to experience a major turnaround in 2013.
"I have high expectations for them," Ghimenti said. "They just have to learn how to play together."